Back Home (for just a little while )

Now we are back home for a couple of months. We flew home just in time for Bob’s 60th birthday party. What a terrific turn out it was with many friends and family coming to help us celebrate.

Having been absent from many meetings etc, we are not swamped with lots of pre-Christmas parties and such and that was very nice not to be frazzled. I had time to finish all my Christmas cards which I had started back in Perth and most of the gift shopping was done without duress. (Those that know me know that I do not like shopping unless it involves crafts).
Oh it is so good to be home but now that Christmas is over I am hankering for the simple life of caravanning. So here’s to the new year and hanging out with friends and family over the next few weeks before we head back to the Robbiebago and continue with the adventures God has in store for us.
I really like one of the quote I saw back in a Perth mall: it is a great reminder not to waste time in the new year.

No minute gone ever comes back again. Take heed and see ye nothing do in vain.

Perth

With the kindness of friends of friends, (Thank you Colin & Donna), we have a place to stop for 2 weeks and then store the Robbiebago whilst we run back home for Rob’s birthday and Christmas. It is right on the Swan River in Bassendean, Perth. Whilst in Perth we get to catch up with friends and family often taking in a meal with many of them, including Nikki & Neil, Bill & Hillary, Tina, Mrs S, Ben & Kate, Frank & Teena. We were also able to follow up on new friends made on the road including Joan & Bill as well as Peter & Alison.
A view of Perth
Bob beside the Percy Button Statue in Perth Mall

Day outings included a train trip into Perth where amongst various activities including watching a solar powered slot car inter school competition, a 2 hour guided walking tour around town which was very interesting, shopping and of course a meal.

Freemantle
 Another day we travelled into Freemantle and just walked around the shops before having a fish and chips lunch on the wharf. One of the little treasured nuggets was several hours spent at the Aviation heritage Museum in Bull Creek. including a semi private viewing of a magnificent historical lace panel depicting London during the Blitz. I really do recommend a minimum 2-3 hours to see this museum.

A small part of the magnificent lace panel that is long than floor to ceiling
Another night was a romantic date in town including dinner & an overnight stay in a classy hotel. (Thanks Manna House). On awaking the next morning after a lazy sleep in & breakfast we finally made our way into the fabulous Kings Park where we spent a couple of hours walking on some of the many trails there. The bridge walk was spectacular with its views over the Swan River and all the sailing boats out on the water. The wildflowers especially the kangaroo paws and the banksias were superb.



A late lunch in the park followed by a stroll through the gallery shop there finished our time in town. New friends Peter and Alison, whom we had met back at Barn Hill, graciously took us an all day trip around the Perth Hills camp site. Whilst in Perth I also got to spend some time in various stamping & scrapbooking shops and bought some lovely tools. A girl’s gotta have her tools!
An original sculpture available for sale at Kings Park inspires Bob.

Then there were also the quieter days bike riding and walks along the river, days reading and playing games and the sort of relaxing things one does on holidays. Whilst in Perth we enjoyed christian services & fellowship mostly at various Reformed Services as well as the local Bassendean Church of Christ on a few occasions.