Spring is in the air. . .

Another term has whizzed by at school and once again I find it is the hols and winter is over. How time flies! This term has been a busy one with several concerts and a French Cabaret at the high school, courses and plenty misbehaving students to keep me busy! Nick, too, has been busy at work but we have savoured the weekends and had several visitors, trips, an engagement party and have spent time gardening at Nick's house in town. I have also had some concerts with the Margaret River Concert Band - we won our category in the recent regional band competition - and have been busy with my art course at college.

I have put the photos on a slideshow again - hope it works ok!

I was given two weeks leave and flew back to Scotland to see my family and to celebrate the life of my wonderful grandfather, Badger, who passed away at the beginning of August. It was a difficult trip to make, especially under the circumstances, but was so fantastic to be at home with many of the family members there. It was lovely to spend time with them, and to be able to see a few friends too. Ailsa was back from Sydney for a few weeks and as we sat sipping our vino in the sun on George Street in Edinburgh with Karen, Debs and Ellis it felt as though we had seen each other yesterday! Ailsa then accompanied me and my very heavy suitcase to Manchester where she surprised Joolz and Mark with a visit. I then continued on south to have a brief time with Jilly and to even be part of the support team for Carl who was cycling from Lands End to John o Groats! Congratulations Carl! And then on to Reading to see some old family friends, Dot and Geof, before meeting Samuela at Heathrow! Heathrow was a mess, my flight delayed and connection missed, but luckily I had Sammy there to keep me company. What a flying visit - but such a comfort to be able to get home and be with family and friends at such a sad time.

Back in Australia Nick had survived my absence and enjoyed a visit from his parents and a birthday meal with his family. We went south to Black Point for a weekend of camping, walking and fishing. Nick caught two fish with his new beach fishing rod and we enjoyed a peaceful evening drinking wine, eating fresh fish and playing cards.

Nicky, Lou and Ellis came down from Perth for the long weekend and we had fun taking Ellis to the animal farm (although I think Lou possibly enjoyed it more than Ellis!) and seeing the local sights. Ellis is one now and is becoming a mischievous young man! His favourite thing to do is to lick things: sand on the beach/Cooper! He had a great time playing with Cooper and on the beach - and the sand and hair in his mouth didn't seem to bother him at all!!!

I have spent these holidays at home, with Nick taking a few days off too. We have got lots of things done at home and it has been a great time to catch up with friends, go shopping and do some paintings. We also have a new computer so have been spending time getting it set up - a mixture of frustration and pleasure!! Last weekend was the Emergency Services Ball on the theme of Hot, Wet and Wild. We spent Friday evening and Saturday morning setting up for the ball - blowing up balloons, putting up decorations etc - before slipping into our costumes and enjoying the evening. I dressed up as a mermaid and Nick was in a very hot hawaiian shirt! It was a fun night and we won some amazing raffle prizes which we are looking forward to using: a whale watching tour; meal voucher and sprayer (Nick may now sell the tractor and work and just spray the vine yards by hand!). It was a successful fundraiser with over $20,000 being raised for the Sea Search and Rescue to buy a vehicle for towing the boats.

Back to school next week and the busiest term of the year - concerts, graduation, reports etc etc . . . but lots to look forward to too!