It's 2018 so what's the plan........

We started the year with no plans in place other than to enjoy the summer and see what happens. Bill had been inspired by his calendar sales and he designed a collection of greeting cards as well so we had a trip to Glenrowan to deliver these to the gallery. 

Our first visit 'over the hill' saw us drive to Mansfield to catch up with Shelley, Darren and Kyan. The new deck looked great and soon after we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Delatite Winery. Good food, good friends and an awesome view, what more could we want.

Another trip to Glenrowan saw us stop on the way home at another gallery in Benalla. They too were interested in Bills beautiful greeting cards and newly added prints so he added a new outlet to his list of retailers.  We stopped off at Winton Wetlands for lunch on the way home.

In the garden the tomatoes we planted on our arrival home last year were now in full production so while Bill was busy designing and printing artwork I was busy in the kitchen again. Once again there is a cupboard full of chutney, sauces, relish and even Cherry Jam this year. Thank goodness there are many people who are happy to accept a jar or two along the way.

We enjoyed a day off from our endeavours as we once more drove 'over the hill' this time to spend the day at Eildon with Astrid and Hans. Bianca was back from Canada for a holiday and they were camping at Lakeside again. We decided on just a day trip this year and thoroughly enjoyed our time with them all. It was lovely to see Travers too and to meet his little daughter Alida who was camping for the first time.

It was also a busy time for catching up with friends and we had a barbecue lunch with Faye, Kevin, Wilma and Gordon. A barbecue dinner with Judy and Peter brought a very unwelcome guest as a great hairy spider decided to appear on Bills chair. Other than that we had a great night.

From interstate we enjoyed a visit from Anita and Greg as they returned to Canberra. Debbie and John also came to visit from Perth and stayed overnight. It's been a long while since we spent time together and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing you both again.

Angie and Freddie dropped in to say hello one day on their way back to Jamieson and once again lots of talking and laughter over a coffee. This led to Freddie inviting Bill to join him at the Jamieson Farmers Arts Market the following weekend. A little more printing and we were off 'over the hill' again and had a great time at the markets. The boys shared a stall and both sold some goods. A fun time was had by all and I even joined Angie and the Mansfield Line Dancers in the park.

A couple of weeks later we hooked up the van and headed off to Linton where we met Astrid and Hans for a few days off the grid at the bird sanctuary. We had a lovely time and enjoyed a few quiet walks around the grounds and a drive to see the old rail bridge at Newtown.

Back at home Bill kept busy with editing and producing cards as now there was another gallery wanting his goods for a three week exhibition in Rushworth. Things were getting a bit busy here. Dan helped him with the loan of his printer and our dining room table became the production centre for a while.  In between we had time for visits to Benalla, Shepparton, Yackandandah and Strathbogie for lunch one day at Under the Sun.

We returned to Jamieson again in March for the next twilight market and the boys joined forces again and once again had a successful evening. There are no more now until November so perhaps we will return once we are back home later in the year.

While Bill has been keeping busy I have resumed my activities and I am still keeping everyone amused as I try to remember some of these dances. Lots of fun and laughs so I'll keep at it. Who knows one day I'm sure I'll get it right.

A mystery bus trip saw a group of us forego dancing one day and head off on a magical mystery tour. We ended up in Bendigo and had a great day stopping first at Lake Weeroona for coffee then a ride on The Talking Tram. After Lunch we did a tour at the Chinese Museum which was absolutely incredible. The artefacts here are just amazing and the longest dragon in the world resides here and is used in the Easter festival each year.

The next weekend we joined Cheryl and Shane at their place enjoying a great weekend with them. it was worth the long wait guys and it was good to see you both again. The Point Lonsdale markets were fun and Port Arlington in the afternoon looked very welcoming. The ferry to Docklands will be a huge bonus to so many people.

Back at home we had a fun visit from Kate and Andrew from Sunbury. They arrived to a mad house as Bill and Dan were printing but soon after all was calm and we had a fabulous couple of days. We might just stick to the bubbles next time Kate!

The next day Alan joined us from Foster and another fun couple of days were had as we enjoyed the odd glass of red and some awesome music. Who knew YouTube could be such a source of entertainment!

We attended the opening of SAL's pop up exhibition at Rushworth Community House. We had a great night and met some lovely people who had come along to check out the artwork. Bill has been today to pack it all up as the three weeks finished and has been pleased with the sales.

We have had a busy time with appointments of all types happening as we get ready for an earlier than usual departure for our big trip this year. It seems the calendar is always full. Still time for exploring though and last weekend we hooked the van up once more and made our way to Newstead where Bill was going to attend a photography course.

We arrived after lunch on Friday and made our way to the racetrack where we were camping. A great little campground with toilets and showers. Not sure about the significance of the chainsaw carving but it looked good.  We had a look around the little village and then found The Railway Hotel where we caught up with our friends Jo and Trev who are the publicans. A long time since we have seen them but well worth the wait.

It rained that night and half of the next day but it didn't affect the course at all. While Bill did all things photographic I spent the afternoon with Jo. We drove to Castlemaine and had coffee before returning to the pub where I got to watch everyone get set up for the evenings function. Music and meals were happening and what a great night it was. Dinner from chef Paul was delicious and the music from The Gooses Bridle was fabulous. So glad we were there.

The next morning we left the campground and drove out to their place at Sandon where we spent a couple of hours catching up with all. Claire and Tom are gorgeous kids and we look forward to seeing you all again. Thanks for a fabulous time.

The following week Astrid and Hans visited and we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Tabilk Vineyard in Nagambie.  Lunch on the deck was a little brisk but it was too nice a day to retreat inside.  A visit to the Cellar Door completed our visit and we returned home to relax for the afternoon.

And then it was Easter and once again we had no plans at all. Sometimes the best times are started like this. On Friday we visited Kobe and Dan in Violet Town and I had a fabulous time helping Ollie make delicious carrot muffins. After that I learnt all about constructing mechano type toys. Thank goodness Dan knew what he was doing because I sure didn't pass muster in Ollie's eyes.

On Saturday we headed off 'over the hill' again and went to Mansfield to help Darren celebrate his birthday. We had another fabulous afternoon with him, Shelley and Kyan at Lake Nillahcootie where they spent a couple of hours on the jet ski. We were joined by Craig and Julie for the yummiest pizzas at a little brewery just down the road from them. A great night was had by all.

Sunday was an early start as this time we headed off down the Hume to meet Mum and Maree at Chelsea. It was Mum's birthday and we enjoyed a nice lunch at the Coffee Club. We spent a couple of hours chatting and catching up and soon it was time to hit the road again for the long drive home.

Monday was spent with a quiet day at home and we slowly began the long job of preparing the van for its departure next week. I got most things packed and now just have my clothes and food to go. 

The next few days were busy for Bill as he did a last run around the galleries to top up stocks to last while we are away. I enjoyed my last dancing and exercise sessions for the next few months.

And so now the van is packed, the shopping done, the fridge is full and we just have to hook up and leave tomorrow. Keep watching to see where we end up and how we get there.

until next time...........