Our Christmas week in Perth has been super relaxing – it’s been all about catching up with extended family and friends and enjoying the many ‘social’ aspects of the festive season.
Leading up to Christmas Day we spent far more time in the shops than Rod was happy with. However those of you who know us well are aware I have a ‘Rod shopping strategy’. I sit him down in a café with the latest newspaper and a coffee and that normally gives me an hour and a half of ‘free time’.
Rod and Greg at The Wine Tree
Last Sunday we drove down to the little village of Dwellingup to visit our good friend Greg Caswell. Greg and Penny joined us in New Zealand a couple of years ago and we completed a motorcycle tour of Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Taupo. Not only is Greg a fellow motorcycle enthusiast, he also owns the very popular Dwellingup fruit winery – The Wine Tree. We spent a very pleasant sunny afternoon with family and friends at the winery sampling Greg’s excellent products.
Dearne and Jude at The Wine Tree
Our lovely friends Jude Loza and partner Bruce caught up with us at the winery. Jude served in the Navy with us and hails from Dunedin. They made the move from Dunedin to Rockingham about two years ago to be with family. It was brilliant afternoon.
We had a very relaxing start to Christmas Day. Tiffany and partner Charles popped around in the morning for the ceremonial opening of gifts then at around midday we joined cousin Penny and family at their place for Christmas lunch. As usual we consumed far too much food and ‘happy juice’ over the day and by 5pm when we got back to the apartment we found it very difficult to keep our eyes open. A great day and thanks Penny and girls for your hospitality.
Christmas Lunch at cousin Penny’s in Perth
What happens on Boxing Day? Of course – it is the Boxing Day sales. Dawn had hardly cracked and the girls were out of bed and heading down town to be first in line for any bargains. Luckily we have the rule in the van where if something new comes in – something old must go. I think we may be at the tipping point!!
We fly back to Canberra in the morning (Friday) to stock up the van and make a decision on ‘where to next’. We will probably avoid the coast until at least mid January when most people are back at work but will let you know.
As yet we are unsure of our departure date from Canberra. It may end up being on New Years Day – a symbolic gesture – new year, new start.
Dearne and Rod's Travel Blog 
Blessings to you two, good to see you had a “happy” Christmas. Raewyn’s sister and B-inlaw are up in the Snowy’s so if you feel like a side trip here is there mobile 0408694383, 2 Bridle St. Talbingo, kiwiray@ … email address coming.
If any Kiwis are living here and are of our generation, and they are wanting Permanent Residency / citizenship give them our email and we will send the details. Martin.
Merry Christmas to the two of you. Sounds like a fantastic time was had by all catching up, eating and drinking. Can’t beat it. Best excuse for a ‘nana knap’ I can think of lol. Julie and I discussed catching up with you somewhere next year – prob around June/July, hope that is okay. Travel Safe, and have an awesome start to 2014. Love to you both.