Our first trip was in February, to Norfolk Island, with twenty of our fellow residents of the Retirement Village. It was our first trip to the Island and we really enjoyed it ...
... from the attractive scenery ...
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... to the dress ups for the entertainments ...
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It is good to travel with friends.
In mid year we spent ten weeks in Europe. We started in England, with our grand daughter, Hayley’s, thirteenth birthday ...
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... before travelling extensively in southern England ...
... which included Bath ...
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... St Michael's Mount ...
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... driving through attractive countryside ...
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... and visiting some famous monuments ...
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After England we took a tour of Spain,
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... Portugal ...
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... and Morocco, which was fascinating. We enjoyed the relaxed Spanish life style - siestas, late lunches and late dinners in the balmy evenings. Morocco was an entirely different experience and now we can name drop exotic cities like
... Fes ..
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... Marrakesh ...
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... and Casablanca.
In October we spent a week in the Borossa Valley, at the annual gathering of Probus called Rendezvous. Again we spent some time with friends, some of whom are from our local Probus clubs, others that we meet every year at Rendezvous. Stephen particularly enjoyed the wine, his highlight being blending his own version of red wine at Penfolds winery ...
... we also visited Maggie Beer's place ...
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Our grand kids keep progressing. Next year we will have six of them in Secondary School - Joshua in year 12, Cameron, Hayley and Troy in middle school with Jonathan and Jeremy in year 7. That makes us start to feel old. Next year Spencer will be full time at this new school, Croxton, which will be very good for him and his parents. Amanda is growing up fast and enjoying school and sport.
Stephen’s parents have entered care, at Colton Close. Although his mother, Edna, is partially paralysed by a stroke, she is receiving very good care. His father, Eric, is really enjoying his new life. All of the worries that were weighing him down have gone and he can visit Edna every day as she is on the floor just above his. She relies on his visits.
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Margaret’s mother, Joyce, had her ninety-second birthday in August. She is now starting to struggle with health issues, but she is a fighter, and is receiving good care. Hopefully she will be well enough to spend a couple of days over Christmas at our Village.
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Speaking of the Village, it has taken great steps this year. Our new owners, Stockland, have spent a lot of money on our bowling green, landscaping and putting greens ...
... before and after ...
... and here is another view ...
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... as well as building new Villas for future residents.
Please note that our phone number has changed: 8734 2054
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Love,
Margaret and Stephen
