City Camp

HRH and her little charges (grades 3 and 4) along with other teachers and some parents have just spent an amazing and hectic 3 days in Melbourne as part of our 'urban' experience. We visited some fabulous places - The Aquarium, The M.C.G., Albert Park, MSAC , Queen Victoria Market. We stayed at Melbourne Discovery in Franklin Street and used public transport and our legs to get around town. We ate at Trios at Southbank and Notturno's on Lygon Street, Carlton. A great time was had by all. We managed to bring all the cherubs home to their parents! All needed a lot of sleep over the weekend.

Southbank in the Summer

HRH and her Consort visited Southbank last weekend. We met up with Lord and Lady Tambourine, from Queensland. They were visiting relatives for the weekend. We enjoyed a pleasant afternoon watching the sights of Southbank (Melbourne) and catching up with each other. There is always something happening here!

A Murder Mystery

HRH and family were invited to the birthday dinner of Lord Quentin Daventry. A very excited HRH, Consort, Duke and Duchess dressed with care (to impress) and travelled by coach to The Retreat Hotel for the much awaited dinner. Lord Daventry has been a family friend for a long time. He has fallen on hard times (debauchery, gambling), but nonetheless, the dinner should be a gathering of the 'who's who'.

But, Alas, unfortunately a sad demise, murder, no less! A total of 3 guests and one of the staff met their untimely end (and were unable to finish their dinner!). It was great fun, we all enjoyed a night of hilarity and good conversation.

Fun at the Vines!

The 3 Stooges, as they appeared at The Vines on Saturday night.

Victorian fires.

The view from the Castle on Saturday morning (a week after the day from Hell). Smoke from the still burning fires helped create an eerie sensation. A pungent, smokey smell, oppressive atmosphere, The Little Druumer Princess finds breathing difficult (asthma), the sun all but blocked. A reminder of the difficulties faced by the residents and volunteers fighting for survival in Healesville, Kinglake, Marysville and nearby areas. We are far away and still we have this!

The Consort goes ROAD!

The Consort decides to buy a road bike to try and get fit. Spurred on by his brother-in-law, The Baron Von Myrtle. The Consort gets 'fitted out' at Jones Cycles in Frankston. Very helpful staff set up a bike, complete with computer (so HRH is able to check distances travelled, OR NOT!), new helmet, repair kit and the list goes on and on and on..... A great Valentines Day gift for the much loved Consort. The Baroness Von Myrtle asked for a computer to be fitted to The Baron's new bike as well. Does that mean we don't trust our husbands???

The pool is finished, the decking complete, the garden 'a work in progress'. HRH and the royals has enjoyed many hours of heat relief over the past few weeks. A big thanks to Dean (our resident landscaper and master of all trades), his wife for renting him out, and all tradies who helped us. The Consort still grumbles about looking after the pool, but HRH does what she can, even eliciting the services of the Princess on the odd occasion.

Bush Fires

The devastating fires in Victoria have had the amazing affect of bringing the unlikely together. Our school raised over $3ooo today as a result of a 'free dress' day. Kids and teachers came to school in clothes of their choice. Thanks to all of you for your generosity. We are a little school (420) but we have big hearts. We had a bush fire drill today as well. As we are in a bush setting, we must be vigilant too! Go to this link for up to date news on the fires and the relief effort. The Herald Sun. I took these photos as I was taking The Little Drummer Princess to work, we got as far as the end of our street and this is what greeted us! Too close for comfort.

A year of birthdays

HRH is excited! She is turning 50 this year. What a hoot it will be! Keep an eye on this space for more information. Not only is it HRH's 50th, but it will be The Consort's son's 18th, the Little Drummer Princessess 18th AND the Queen Mother's 70th.

HRH is teaching a grade 3 / 4 class this year. Visit their blog to see what is happening.

The Royal Band in Action

People come from the four corners of the Realm to hear the Royal Band. This snap was taken during an intense 'jam' session using Guitar Hero - a Christmas present to the Princesses.

homeward Bound!

The many sights to be had on the way to or from Birdsville. Paddy melons abound by the roadside near Sealake.

Barren, dry, we are in a drought.

Silos stand empty, making a forlorn backdrop to the now quiet towns. Gone is the busyness and bustling of the towns dotted along the rail lines. Please God send more rain. Please humans - be more careful in your use of our precious water.

The Littlest member of the Royal family enjoying her first Christmas. She was the centre of attention for the entire day. It was hot in Birdsville! But the Royals had plenty of amber ale, coke and wine on tap along with the 27 bags of ice needed over the 2 days of festivities! The ham, turkey, prawns and pudding wre eaten with gusto. Dinner was home made ravioli and sauce. I don't know where the diners managed to put it, maybe they had 3 stomachs (like the cow) and just used the first 2 for lunch! Thanks Lord and Lady Brewer for a lovely time in your new home.