Ballarat.

It isn’t a place I have ever given much thought to, but a person could get to like a place like this. Maybe it is the fact that we are living on the outskirts of town in a very peaceful holiday park with lots of space around us – one of the advantages of being a big rig is that we are often put at the back of the park which usually has a lot of free space – or maybe it is that it is only five minutes to the town centre and we feel like we know it well already. Perhaps it’s that people are friendly and take the time to say hello, or maybe the real feeling of longevity in the air. Walking through the Botanic Gardens today surrounded by trees hundreds of years old, majestically swaying in the light breeze and edged with glorious beds of colour of all shapes and sizes was very therapeutic – almost as good as the kids club the caravan park runs each day between three and four! In the gardens today we walked down the avenue with the busts of all the prime ministers of Australia and their dates of office. One chap, whose name escapes me at present, was only on office for 7 days! I reckon there must be a story in that somewhere. If you know what it is then let us know! I will endeavour to find out as well. We never planned to spend much time here, but we are enjoying ourselves and that is what it is all about. The freedom to make our own plans is the ultimate luxury. Jarra is finally settling into a bit of a routine. We have abandoned the afternoon sleep and if he falls asleep in the car well and good, if not we struggle through the witching hour between five and six and he goes to bed earlier and easier. At last I think he has realised what his bed is for and he is settling to sleep much quicker without a great deal of heartache all round. Today we went past the local library and spotted a sign that said they have wireless internet connection available, so we will check that out. Yesterday we used Starbucks/Telstra connection and it was pretty pricey, but amazing nonetheless. The whole wireless thing fascinates me. I am sure we will learn much as we go. Anyway I only have 15 minutes left until the kids return, so I’m away to read my book and cherish this down time. Hx