Corona Virus Strikes

Like many people across the world, we are now working from home, mainly. We are communicating with our students using technology, as well as delivering to their homes hard copies of work to be completed. Like everyone, we are adjusting to this strange new world, where we are mostly confined to our home. We are unable to attend Church, or even go to most National Parks. We are hoping for a timely end to this crisis.

21 March ... Six Foot Track

Two of us walked part of the Six Foot Track, from Megalong Road to Cox River and return. It was a spectacular day, and a most enjoyable walk.

19 March 2020 ... Finally ... A new Range Hood

After five months of waiting, approval is finally given for the installation of a new range hood, to replace the one which failed all those months ago. Finally, cooking fumes are expelled outside and no longer penetrate through the house.

Rodrigo Completes his Masters Studies

Although he defended his thesis some months ago in Guadalajara, recently Rodrigo's parchment was issued. Congratulations Rodrigo!

A Wet Walk to the Blue Mountains ... 14 March

Three of us took a walk from Leura to Katoomba via Leura Cascades and Bridal Veil Falls. A spectacular and enjoyable walk, in spite of heavy rain and a long street-bash toward the end.

Fabrício Excels at English Studies

Presently, Fabrício is travelling regularly to the city to continue his English language studies at ELC College. He has made many friends among his fellow students, although the Corona Virus is affecting the attendance of many. For the moment, Fabrício is continuing to go in most days.

Burwood Community donates Furniture to Baabayn

We visited the Burwood community to collect a table which they are donating to our aboriginal friends. The photos show us at lunch at Burwood, and the table in use at Baabayn Aboriginal Centre.

8 March 2020 ... Grand Canyon Walk

A very pleasant day today, walking the Grand Canyon Circuit, one of the few tracks still open in Blue Mountains National Park. Although evidence of the recent fires was visible on top of the canyon, the walk itself was pristine, and recent rains added to the splendour of this spectacular gorge.

7 March 2020 ... Repairing the Fence

We took advantage of Dave's visit to use his expertise in repairing our damaged fence (See entry on 1 March). Our landlord was very pleased that we saved him a significant amount of money by repairing the damage ourselves.

The Lenten Group that Never Was

On the request of Father Greg, we offered to host a weekly Lenten group in our home. Possibly because of Corona virus concerns, no-one turned up! So we had a series of quiet gatherings ourselves. On this occasion (6 March), Dave was visiting.

6 March ... Marist Learning Zone

An increasing number of students, visit from ex-student Josh, a police operation at our front gate, lots of learning happening ... all amid growing uncertainty about what will happen concerning the corona virus.

1 March 2020 ... Rodrigo's Birthday

We celebrated Rodrigo's birthday tonight with a fine meal and community gathering, which included our good friend Father Fernando.

1 March 2020 ... Damaged Front Fence

Not sure how this happened. We heard a loud crash last night, but not sure what caused the damage.

1 March 2020 ... Corona Virus ... Emerging Crisis

Today the first Australian death from Corona virus was reported, with 29 infected persons in Australia. We hope it will soon be over.

29 Feb ... Paul Kelly Concert

We enjoyed the Paul Kelly Concert, "13 Ways to Look at Birds" in the new Coliseum Entertainment Centre at Rooty Hill.

29 Feb ... Mt Druitt Says No to Ice

A pleasant day with our aboriginal friends, where we joined our voices to the call for an ice-free Mount Druitt.
Highlights included meeting guest musician and lead singer of Coloured Stone, Bunna Lawrie, meeting ex-student Emily and entertaining Ruth Nelson's boys.

23 Feb 2020 ... Six Foot Track

Fabrício and Lawrie walked part of the Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains, from Megalong Road to the Explorers Tree and return, 21 km in all. Noynoy was also bushwalking today with Peter Rodney.

21 February ... One of many Community Gatherings

A pleasant evening, with fine food, yarning and music.

17 Feb 2020 ... Lavalla200> Support Group

Today our support group, comprising Carole Wark, Peter Carroll and John Robinson, met with us. They provide assistance to our community as required. It was a good opportunity to thank Carole prior to her departure overseas.

15 Feb 2020 ... A Good Deed for our Neighbour

Najib, our newly arrived neighbour across our street, needed to have his lawn attended to. Fabrício and Lawrie obliged.

MLZ Opens for 2020

2020 opened at MLZ with eight staff, the two new staff being Brother Fabrício and Catherine Ruff.

A Wet Walk ... Lapstone Zig Zag ... 8 Feb 2020

Fabrício and Lawrie took a short walk in the rain to Lapstone Zigzag, Elizabeth Lookout and Marge's Lookout in the Lower Blue Mountains. An enjoyable outing, in spite of some heavy rain.

It's Hot! Feb 1, 2020

The photo says it all.

The House that Nearly Was .. 24 January 2020

Linden St, just 50 metres from our present houses. It would have been an ideal purchase.
It was not to be!