Ross and Beverley

Bodalla Chesse Factory - NSW

Today we revisited Bodalla Cheese factory about 40 kms south of Batemen's Bay. The cheeses made here are sourced from the local area and made onsite.

The shop has many goodies to enjoy.

There is an onsite resturant.

Many of the cheese include herbs and spices.

There are also several historic buildings in this area. This magnificent Anglican Church built in 1881 is still a place of worship.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Dan and Kala's Engagment Party

We were delighted to be invited to Kala and Dan's engagement and reveal party. We have known Kayla since she was a school girl. Later this year they will welcome a baby girl. Clearly over the 9 years away from AU there is now the "reveal party" which announces the sex of the baby. It is a secret affair with only the OBGYN and cake maker knowing the sex of the child. Its all revealed only when the cake is cut.

Here Kala is sharing the happy news with her brother Brett.

The cake says it all.

The party gave us the opportunity to dress up.

The following week we set of to Bateman's Bay for a few days by the sea. This was the view from the restuarant where we enjoyed lunch.

Lunch was pizza and oysters.

Day 2 of our seaside holiday we travelled to Basin View where Ross's mother lived. From there we decided on having lunch at Huskisson which looks out to Jervis Bay.

The Huskinson Pub has been around forever.

The Beer Garden is a very pleasant place to sit and enjoy lunch.

It provides a great view of the bay.

And the beach area.

We both enjoyed flathead tails which were delicious.

Prior to depating for the coast we had spent a great evening with Wendy, a retired Army mate. Its been many years since we last saw each other and it was just like yesrday. We hope to meet up again very soon.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Return to Australia

We arrived back in Australia on 1 June 2018. After a direct flight from LA we arrived at Sydney International Airport.

We knew were back in OZ when we looked out the front door of our home and saw a family of Kangaroos resting peacefully in our neighbours yard.

We were delighted to catch up with our adopted American family who were our next door neighbours in Texas. We have had a very close relationshp with Ablert, Adrian and Cameron over many years.

Shortly after our return we celebrated Cameron's 12th birthday. We enjoyed a great evening at out local resturant and the cake when we returned home.

Earlier that day we took Cameron and Adrian out for a birthday lunch at our local coffee shop.

Ross is the boy's adopted Gandfather and he has taken on the role of expanding the boys education. Here he is showing Cameron how to peel a prawn. Given that in the USA,prawns are sold with the head removed, Cameron took to this task without any concerns.

Another skill taught was how to sharpen a knife with a steel.

Ross has also introduced Adrian to how play the guitar which has has become very interested in and shows real talent.

We have also tanken the opportunity to enjoy happy time with our dear friends.

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Hill End and Sofla - NSW

Not far from Bathurst there a small towns which in their hay day were rich in gold and minerals.
The historic town of Hill End is about 86 kms North of Bathurst, NSW. Gold was discovered here in 1852 and from 1871 - 1874 it experienced a boom turning this small rural town into one of the largest inland towns in NSW, with its population rising to 8,000. The total recorded amount of gold during this period exceede 62,200 kg.

We of course stopped in for a drink at the Royal Hotel which was built in 1872.

This is the typical style of and Australian Country Pub.

The bar could best be described as Australian eclectic.

There are many old and historic bulding still in use in this quaint town.

Ross' Grandfather many years ago was the Manager of a number of branches of this chain in NSW. He passed away in 1990 aged 93years of age. During the Depression his Gand dad would accept as legal tender gold and precious stones for goods and services rendered in the area of Tumut, NSW.

On the way back to Bathurst we visited Sofala. Another Gold Town Est, 1851. Whilst not as big as Hill End it was a worthwhile visit.

Again another historic town with similar homes and buildings to Hill End.

A drive throught the town provided a pesrpective of times past.

Among many of Ross' happy childhood memories were many fishing trips with his family to Flat Rock via the O'Connel Pub. Over the 30 years we have know each other I ( B) have heard of these adventures. So it was a previlege to finally get to visit this location which is located about 30 or so kms outside of Bathurst. B's take on this photo is that Ross is rememebering the days parst when he and his lovely family enjoyed fun times together.

It is truly a beautiful, peaceful place.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

On The Road Again

After ctaching up with family and friends it was time to head off once again. We returned to Bathurst where Ross went to school. St Stanislaus College was the school he attended.

We stayed at a great B&B.

The balcony provided a great view towards the town of Baturst.

It was also an opportunity to visit Ross' early family home.

No visit is complete until you catch up with old friends. Ross has been friends with these guys since primary school. We dinned at a fine resturant called Cobble Stone Lane and we had a wonderful evening.