Day 89 - Tuesday - goodbye Shirl

On the morning of our departure home to Adelaide, I somehow found time to video-interview my auntie about some of her memories of Bairnsdale, hers and Dad's childhood home. I got about seven minutes, before the battery died. Fantastic! She also very kindly let me borrow their Dad's letters to their Mum while he was away during World War II. I took photos on the spot, for good luck, but plan to scan them in properly and transcribe them as well. I'll put them in a drymount album and return them to her in May.

The plane was half an hour early arriving in Adelaide so we waited outside for Ian and the babies to collect us. The babies did seem excited to see me. Angie punched the air and couldn't stop smiling. He clung to my sleeve for the whole trip home.

Day 88 - Monday - city of Melbourne

So glad we stayed an extra day to visit the city. Quick tram into Collins Street from Auntie Shirl's. We "discovered" Centre Place, without really knowing what it was called or where to look for it. Little secret laneways bristling with art and life. We had a beautiful lunch and even had time to catch up with cousin Noni and her fiancee Mike. Their wedding is in May, also in Melbourne. A little bonus of the day was having organic chai tea latte (I know it sounds wanky but it was the best) and popping into the artist supply store opposite to buy journalling pen, brush pen, water pen and paint brush. Manda paid to say thanks for the marking. Happy days!

Day 87 - Ripponlea wedding

Day 86 - Saturday - staying with Auntie Shirley

A quick flight, a ride to Shirl's place with a dodgy taxi driver, hundreds of photos of her house and garden that she may be selling, an auction of a house for $600,000, and a long party with her children and their kids til after midnight, celebrating Phil's 52nd birthday.

Day 85 - Friday - getting ready for Melbourne wedding

I made this card for Leon and Jennifer's wedding which will be on Sunday at Ripponlea in Melbourne.