One of the school excursions my grade enjoyed during the year was a day at Como House, an historic mansion in South Yarra. Everyone enjoyed dressing up for the occasion, including the teachers! The children experienced many different aspects of life in a nineteenth century mansion but were most interested in the fact that there was a maid who had to empty the chamber pots!

We're off to Como House!

The Queen's Birthday weekend saw us in Echuca once again. We again enjoyed the experience of the steam rally. It was fascinating to see so many working steam traction engines and other old machinery. One of the exhibits was a horse-drawn fire engine, complete with a steam-driven water pump. It had been contrived that a small, purpose-built "shack" would catch fire in order that this machine could "save the day". We watched with bated breath as the horses galloped towards the fire. The firemen quickly set about unrolling the hoses in order to point them at the fire. And then... nothing! Not a drop of water could they provide! A modern-day fire engine had to be pressed into duty to quell the roaring flames!

During the midyear holidays, a friend, Linda Wood, gave Satoshi and I an accommodation voucher at Bellbrae Cottages in Lakes Entrance. The cottage was in a tranquil, bush setting with plenty of birds to feed in the mornings and possums at night. The possums were so tame that they came inside the cottage! As Satoshi had not been inside a cave before, we took the opportunity to visit the nearby Buchan Caves. I had forgotten how beautiful these caves are. We also went on an interesting and entertaining guided tour of a private sanctuary. The weather was superb and both Satoshi and I had a refreshing, relaxing holiday. Thanks, Linda!