Perth chapter 2

Just to add more pics!

Christmas, Birthday and New Year in Perth

Hello to you all,

We have returned from our trip "down-under" where we had a terrific time with the family and friends we have in Perth. It was great to see Jonathan, jen, Joanna, Paul, Morgan and Stuart waiting at the airport for us, complete with the "welcome" balloon. Unfortunately, this didn't last long as having stowed it safely in the boot with the luggage, John opened the boot when we got to the house and lo and behold the balloon escaped!. Ah well, it was good while it lasted!

So how did we spend our time? We moved house with Joanna, Paul and Morgan to a lovely house, full of character, into the area called Hillarys. You stand on the door step and can see the Indian Ocean on the horizon - beautiful.

We took part in the "Carols in the Park" with the Fortress Corps. It brings a whole new experience to the traditional carols when you are having a picnic under the trees in temperatures of 38 degrees. It was great to be involved and the Corps folk are so welcoming and friendly it is god to associate with them.

Christmas Day was at Joanna's and she catered for 13, making her own pudding and cake and providing an excellent meal. Morgan enjoyed opening all his gifts and kept us all entertained with his antics.

Boxing Day we spent at Stuart and Gwendy's, including a swim in their pool!

Then of course it was the special birthday - Morgan was 1. Once again he was most fortunate in the gifts he received and we all shared a lovely tea party with some of his friends who were able to play on the bouncy castle which had been part of our gift to him earlier in the year.

New Year's Day it was Jen's turn to cook for 13 and a fantastic job she did, ably assisted by Jonathan. The following day we all met at Val and Allan's for yet another great meal.

In between all these feasts Jonathan and Jen's container had arrived with all their belongings from the UK (just one photo frame and one spoon damaged) and they had also bought new furniture to house all their possessions which John had helped Jonathan to assemble. (At least, I think John was helping, he was certainly in attendance!)

In between times we had picniced on the beach and swam in the ocean.We also sailed on "Ragamuffin" the boat belonging to Stuart, Gwendy, Paul and Joanna. This was the maiden voyage and we had a fantastic afternoon sailing up the Swan River along the famous Perth skyline. It was great!

And so, after three marvellous weeks we had to say goodbye, and that seems to get harder every time. But we hope that we won't have to do this too many more times as John and I have applied for a visa to go and live permanently in Perth. Watch this space for news although it may take 9 - 12 months before we hear anything!

All for now - I'll try adding some pictures now.

Bye!