Webster Reunion part 2

The Webster family reunion had the best party on Saturday night care of the Hartnells & the Farm. We decked out the new machinery shed made from Australia's best construction material: corrugated iron.


Here is a portrait set on such a long exposure that most of us couldn't sit still. That is why Toby is so blurry, its difficult to tell a dog to sit, let alone sit still.




Since we were both the photographers, we took turns throughout the night. Cam is much better at night shots, especially the focus. So he took this shot.

There was a quiz that night, awards (Michelle & I tied for the best hairpieces at the races), speeches, food, and fun.

The next AM we had a wonderful breakfast at the local dairy barn.



We consumed more food and these super tasty smoothies. Here is Scott (Cam's cousin) & Louise (Cam's Aunt) pointing out the mango madness in the glass.

Webster Reunion April 2011 Part 1

Cam's family had a 10 year reunion and we were the photographers!
Tony Hartnell's mother, Joy Webster was one of four children from J.T. Webster. They in turn had ten additional children, the grandchildren of J.T. Webster.



Here they are today. In the center and seated is Ian (Tony's younger brother), Marg (Tony's younger sister), and Tony. The whole weekend was full of Webster fun-filled activities.



We went to the races to watch the first J.T. Webster inaugural cup. It was a fun race, although the horse I picked was rather feisty! There were also parachute jumpers that "fell" from the sky. On Sunday, Cam won the Inaugural Norman Webster Golf Tournament of 2011.


Michelle & I made some SPECTACULAR fascinators or hair pieces. We entered a contest, but alas, the judges must have missed the beautiful birds nests we created from items found around the farm. Their loss, we should have one.



Later in the weekend, MaryEd had the fab idea of making some tiles to fire and place around the farm. A few of us made the tiles, including the pups Toby & Harry.

Feb FLASHBACK: Cam's Parents Visit (Part 3)

Remember how I said that we were all about the food & fun on this trip? Well I've saved this last post to illustrate all the good grub.




These scallops were so fresh & buttery melt-in-your-mouth good!





This restaurant was in an historic building, I think it was an old tavern that included a walk in wine cellar. It pleased everyone's palettes because not only did they have amazing local and imported wine, but also "vale ale" brewed locally. Cam's family ran into a friend from around the farm! Talk about a small world. She's in SA now too.






In my earlier post I spoke of the restaurant downstairs in the Anchorage hotel we were staying. This was our meal there complete with lots of food because Tony couldn't eat all of his. The color was so tasty.






Victor Harbour was a whaling town back in the 19th century and this fountain commemorates that industry. There is a marine industry museum right on the waterfront next to a horse drawn historic tram!!!



Cam, Tony, MaryEd, and I all woke up early and were the first to great the horse. We were afraid it may sell out, but since it was overcast & windy, there wasn't much interest.





We rode over to an island on the top & then went to the inside on the return. The connection between Victor Harbour and this Granite Island was made to help loading of boats. The harbor isn't too deep, I guess.

A fantastic trip was had by all!

Feb FLASHBACK: Cam's Parents Visit (Part 2)

VICTOR HARBOUR

We stayed at a historic inn that had bedrooms upstairs and a pub and restaurant downstairs. The view from our porch was fantastic with a game of lawn bowling, some Aussie rules footballers, waves crashing into the beach, and an island all in view.




We enjoyed a bottle of red purchased along the way before & after meals. The tranquility, especially of sunsets & sunrises (at least I heard about that last one) was remarkable.






Here is a view of The Anchorage, our hotel. Notice its location between the RR and the bay. Funny how we continue to gravitate towards trains. We rode a train to the neighboring town of Goowla.



Here's a shot at the Victor Harbour station. The green car was the best one of the lot, but I went into each car to see the differences. They dated to different periods.





Check out the luggage racks above everyone's head. Also notice how the windows are. The seats were covered in leather. We brought lemonade with us for the trip and cashews. It was a beautiful trip right along the coast. Beaches to one side and farmland to the other.




When we reached Goolwa, it was the wooden boat festival (South Australia is known as the FESTIVAL state after all). Many many cute wooden boats came together and were on parade. There was food & wine and a very hot sun. Booths with information about where to go to fix your boat or historic steamships along the Murray river dotted around the port.

Feb FLASHBACK: Cam's Parents Visit (Part 1)

We had several visitors to Adelaide this year. The first were Cam's parents, MaryEd and Tony in February to celebrate Cam's birthday.




It was a fabulous trip full of fun, food, and of course, history. We showed them around Adelaide a bit, including our apartment. Then we went south to McLaren Vale. On the way, we stopped at a wonderful restaurant. This shot has the ocean off Tony's shoulder. The sea breeze was beautiful.




McLaren Vale is the closest of 3 wine regions to Adelaide. There are rows upon rows of the grapes. The difference between these shots and ones we took recently in another valley are stark. Green then, naked branches now.





Tony got a haircut in a 1866 telegraph office in Victor Harbour. That is a town about 1.5 hrs to the south.





Remember how I talked about MaryEd's visit & going to the same waterfall? Well this is a shot of her looking at the same falls, although they weren't falling much. The rocks looked more like they were crying.





Of course, I've posted Aussie animals before, but this shot was stunning. A koala next to a kookaburra. Both were just hanging in waterfall park in what else, a gum tree. One more post about this trip before getting to the family reunion at the Farm.

Images around Adelaide

I've got lots and lots of things to post, here are a few items that I've found taken by my phone. Sorry about the quality, but these are some of the best parts of Adelaide.


There is a waterfall walk that includes koalas, almost guaranteed. When MaryEd came to visit, we took her to this walk and saw 3 at least. A gradual walk, and a little boardwalk that turns a corner before you see this. It is pretty dramatic, especially 15 min drive from the city.






An area known as Rundle Mall is a closed off street with lots of shops. Included in the area are lots of art pieces including this one. They must be shinned regularly because you can try, but its impossible not to touch.








During one of the many festivals, someone built this huge cork bottle. It really trumps any of the recycled trivets or cork boards I ever attempted. Look how tall! I'm not sure how they did it, but it was pretty awesome to witness.








One of the restored historic structures on Rundle is Adelaide Arcade. It has an amazing tied floor and fantastic boutiques including one store dedicated completely to buttons. A must see for Adelaide visitors.






With a friend, Jo, and some of her friends, we went to a roller derby. I've only ever seen these on TV or in the movies. The women are much more realistic, and it can get rough, but overall really good fun. I'd go back, especially with a group of friends.

On line...and looking good

Hi everyone. I've been featured as one of the images on Unley's front website. Check me out (you may have to wait until the second image, but it will be worth it)!

www.unley.sa.gov.au

-E