Potted Garden

 When Terry and Tricia moved into their new accommodation, the only regret Tricia had was her lack of a garden.  They have addressed this with a series of self watering wicking tubs, each containing two or three pots. These now have a variety of plants that should be able to cope with the harsh conditions of their patio.

Around Junee

 Junee boasts a small number of cafes where we were able to have an excellent lunch,

but its other claim to fame is the Licorice and Chocolate Factory.  This was started by a farmer who no longer wished to farm and has now developed a widespread reputation for its excellent (original style) licorice and chocolate.

We found the station's huge, 1930s style cafe to be excellent and provided  appropriate sustenance for our trip back to Melbourne.

Junee Roundhouse

 Junee's claim to fame was its location between Sydney and Albury and its huge railway workshop.  They maintained the steam engines and exchanged engines on the line.  To store and maintain the engines, the biggest Roundhouse in the Southern hemisphere was built in the railyards.  It remains today and is still working on the diesel locos.  It is so big it can be seen from space (at least on Google Maps,)

A visit to the Roundhouse takes you through a museum and model railroad.

You can then move through to the huge Roundhouse with a central turntable that could be used to direct engines into any of the over 20 holding bays.  We were lucky enough to see the turntable and shunting procedure in operation.

Whils some bays are used to house old engines and carriages, many are still in operation as storage and maintenance work bays.

Junee Jaunt

 A while ago, some friends had suggested that Junee was a rewarding town for a short stay.  The Inchleys were interested so they came from Sydney and we travelled from Melbourne by train.

The historic roots of the town were evident from the outset.  The architecture of the stone and brick station was clearly reflected in the rest of the old town.

Many of the old buildings were either empty or being repurposed.  Despite the clear downturn in the fortunes of the area, the streets were clean, the houses well kept and the parks and gardens were well maintained and inviting.

The "G" Party

 Mark's friend, Georgie, celebrated her 50th birthday with a G Party.  Mark went as a "Golfer" and Lisa as a "Green Graduate".  

Getting Nowhere Fast

 My eye problems have restricted my morning walks so Kate and Adam researched treadmill options for me and we now have a machine in the garage.  It is proving to be very easy to use and very suitable for my limited eyesight.  

Changing (or perhaps Charging) Times

 This has been a significant week with Adam and Kate and Brett and Cathy both getting new fully electric Cars.  Both are comfortable, quiet and have all the power needed.  Being recent models, both have sufficient capacity to travel large distances on a single charge.  Adam and Kate replaced their Audi with the electric equivalent.

Brett and Cathy replaced their Mazda CX9 with a Geely.

Kitchen Workbench

 The Lake House kitchen is taking shape although progress slowed when Mark put his back out.  Now back from injury, he is working to set up the framework to hold the external metal cladding in place.  The "Red House on the Hill"will then be no more.

Ebony's 21st Party

 After many weeks of planning, Ebony's 21st party was held at home.  The house was transformed into the perfect party venue with a bar area in the carport, quiet areas to the side and a main room all set up with lights and sound system (courtesy of Mark Walsh).  It all ran so well.  I don't think Ebony could have hoped for anything better.  She is now officially 21.

The 2024 Blog Book

 Each year we get a book of the Blog printed off.  We find it to be a useful historic reference on many occasions. The US publisher we have been using for years appears to have gone belly up so this year we had to use a publisher in Holland.  They did a good job.