I have secured another part time job which is more regular than my casual one so the income is of course very welcome. I am keeping an eye on real estate and hoping that something wonderful comes up when it’s time to buy (probably not for at least 6 months).

I just wondered if you’d like a suggestion for an article. I’m not sure if this couple would necessarily fit the bill. They are in Gippsland, near Tonimbuk/Pakenham. They have been breeders, exhibitors and judges of Welsh ponies for about 40 years and have travelled to far flung places for judging. I visited them recently and was blown away by the most gorgeous little “hut” they have built on the side of a hill on their beautiful property. The hut is constructed largely from reclaimed material (the tin roof of a friend’s house, wood reclaimed from old sheds, furnished with items they have collected over the years) and it’s so rustic and very authentic, you’d swear it was an original. It has the most gorgeous view over hills and dales and bushland. Their property is rolling hills with a huge dam and with the ponies down at the water’s edge, it was the most beautiful picture. Their adult daughter and her family share the property, living in a more modern place, but this retired hairdresser and his wife ive in a lovely stone house, filled with memorabilia from their successful showing career and lots of nick nacks that SueEllen loves to collect … like a whole collection of old bits displayed on the kitchen wall. The verandah that surrounds the dark stone house is draped with a lovely grape vine, and it has a real mediterranean feel. Anyway, just a thought. Let me know if might be of interest. I’d send photos if only I’d thought to take some when I was there!

Am trying to get through the sequel to Marise’s book, but so flat out that I’m struggling with time. I love her story .. what an adventure, what a life .. I’m dreading to read what happens to Jean .. but I am also eager to read the whole story (to date!). We are friends on facebook now and I love her little inputs.

oh well, best away. Let me know if you think there might be a story there, if it’s not too far away from our lovely home region around Kyneton and Macedon Ranges (really enjoying myself, loving it down here and so glad I moved from Sydney).

Cheers Maryanne

*Maryanne Alderson*