Rain, Christmas cheer and the year ends........

Back at home it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas as some of the shops had some decorations in their windows. Bill had been busy composing this years Calender and had decided to see if he could sell some as well. He had a contact in a Glenrowan Gallery so we headed off on Friday to see her.

The forecast had been rather grim warning of record rainfalls and storms in our area for the next few days but so far it was just a rainy day so off we went. On our arrival in Glenrowan the rain stopped enabling us to get about and stay dry. All went well and we will take some stock over once it's printed. From here we drove across to Shepparton for some bits and pieces before heading home. Still no rain though the paddocks on the way home were pretty waterlogged from the mornings lot. Once home it started to rain and it continued all night.

Having never lived here when it floods you could say that we got quite a shock the next morning when we walked into town. Our little creek had well and truly burst its banks was almost up to the road at Burtons Bridge.

This meant that water covered the entire Apex Walking Track, The Sevens Creek Park and the Caravan Park. That had been evacuated the day before. The water came right up to the back door of the Third Age hall and the RSL building. Our three sculptures of our VC soldiers certainly had a water view this morning.

Thankfully Saturday's forecast heavy rain did not eventuate so further disaster was averted and I was surprised to see the creek back within it's banks on Sunday. It took a few days to clean up the mud and mess and a few more days before outlying water over roads had gone but all in all back to normal very soon. The SES and all the emergency workers had done a great job before and after the event and our lovely little village by the ranges returned to normal.

A few days later the Line Dancing Christmas outing saw the group catch a bus to Echuca. We enjoyed a fabulous day with a two hour lunch cruise on the Murray River on board the old Paddle Steamer Emmy Lou. After all the rain the river was very high and we all enjoyed it immensely.

Once back on land we all wandered the shops for the next couple of hours and most of us boarded the bus complete with shopping bags leaving some very happy retailers in our wake. The following week we had our Christmas party in the hall and everyone danced their feet off to the music of Jimmy and Gayle.

Virginia, Greg, Toby and Beau came to visit as they were on their way from Darwin to Tasmania and we were their last stop before catching the ferry the next evening. We had a great night enjoying a bbq and a few drinks before Toby and Beau set up their 'camp' on the lounge room floor. It was so good to see you all again and we wish you all the best in your new home in Ulverstone.

The next three weeks before Christmas saw us tripping to Glenrowan to drop in some calendars to the gallery. Shopping trips to Shepparton and Benalla and another quick trip to Melbourne for a final Dr's appointment for the year.  Carols by the Creek was held the Saturday night before Christmas and we enjoyed a great night singing along and just getting into the Christmas spirit.

The big day itself dawned and we set off on our long drive to Melbourne where we were spending the day celebrating Christmas with the family hosted once again by Faye and Rem. A lot cooler than last year and a few less people saw us enjoy a fabulous meal on the deck in their backyard.  We spent the night with Maree at her place and after a leisurely morning the next day we said farewell and headed for home again. 

 A quiet week followed with a coffee here and there before we said farewell to 2017 the same as we did last year. A quiet night on the couch watching the fireworks on telly and then off to bed. Maybe next year we'll shake it up a bit but then again who knows.

So for now I'll finish 2017 with a wish from Bill and myself for you all to have a safe, happy and healthy new year.

until next time.......