HEADING INTO THE COLD WITH ‘BACK OF BEYOND”

We hope we have brought the rain to the poor drought stricken farmers. Why didn’t I do the washing yesterday in clear sunshine? Our supply of $2 coins is now seriously depleted with the commercial dryer doing a great job!

Cold and wet in Glen Innes, with a 5.30pm presentation in the Library, would anyone leave their cosy fireplaces at home to venture out to hear me?

The amazing Librarian, Kate and Jacob greeted us, showing us to a superb conference room set up with the latest technology. Two crock pots of pumpkin soup were simmering on a table for the guests to enjoy.

At twenty past five guests began to pour in, more chairs were found and the chattering was raucous!. One guest had shared our house in London in 1968 and we hadn’t seen each other for 50 years! Several other couples were familiar to either one of us. This was a delightful and enthusiastic audience. Thank you to the hospitality of Glen Innes.

We set off in ‘Piccolina” to plug in with friends near Uralla. Driving through the countryside we were reminded of the dreadful drought the farmers of our country are suffering. It is heartbreaking to know their breeding herd will be sold to the meatworks. The cost of feeding stock is prohibitive, especially without government assistance.

We enjoyed robust conversation over dinner, with memories and stories abounding, accompanied by a great deal of laughter.

Inverell was my next Library Talk and once again it was a re-union of old friends, people we had not seen for many years. Many purchased the book and we enjoyed chatting afterwards, answering many questions.

Once again we plugged in to ‘old’ friends where we enjoyed a relaxed weekend with a picnic to Copeton Dam, and a lunch with friends on Sunday at their lovely home ‘Elmore Station’ outside Inverell.

We are eternally grateful to our friends for allowing us to share their bathrooms and power! It makes life in ‘Piccolina’ a lot more comfortable. We are having a great time with lots of laughs!!