Warren Turns 60 (9 Nov.)

Catalina Road, Albany, WA 6330 (9 Nov. 25)

Just to get it out the way... there is no news on the Centre. We were told at the beginning of the week that the announcements are being delayed due to ongoing compliance checking. So "we will be advised in due course as to when we will be advised". The joys of relying on government funding!

Mean time it has been quite a big week. At work we have had an intensive time working on Thrive, which we're trying to get ready to commercialise.

Working on Thrive commercialisation

And to help with my general lack of motivation, I've been making one bird each day, before or after work. The reason is because I gave a similar bird to Sue (friend) to thank her for helping move the kiln and apparently her mum loves it, and she asked if she could commission one. Which was great as its given me some focus! I've also finished my blue flowers, which I rather like, although of course I have ideas to keep improving the style.

We also had a nice evening out on Wednesday with Talia, Meliss, and Jess at our usual, Maharaja - celebrating Jess getting her Cert 3 as well as Talia and Melissa finishing uni for the year. Everyone was chatty, which was great. But after this dinner, Talia decided to end her relationship with Oscar. So she has been very very sad.

Then on Friday Mark departed for Brisbane to see Alex, Lyneta and Lydia. He'll then go to Melbourne to help Suzy bring her things back from Uni as she has finished for the year.

Mean time I headed down to Kojonup, doing a virtual meeting from the car on the way so I could get going before the traffic got bad. Warren was having a rather impromptu 60th birthday in Franklin of all places (about an 1.5 hours south of Kojonup). I drove to Wayne and Julie's farm, and then went with them to the party because I dont like driving on the country roads at night. Anyway it was a fun evening. Despite being last minute about 35 people turned up and we had pizza, wine and beer. 

Warren trying on the shoes we bought him that "every 60 year old man should have"

Cynthia serving pizza at the party

Wayne (younger brother), Tony (cousin), and Tim

 

Andrew, Trevor and Harry

Ntex morning after the party (Saturday) Wayne and Jess headed up the shed to get shearing underway, Julie was working at the vets, and I continued on to Albany to see Mum and Dad. On Saturday afternoon, Warren and Cynthia turned up, and then Kayelene, so it was a bit of a unplanned family gathering. Cynthia and I tried to get a new watch band for Dad as he cant get his on and off, but didnt succeed.

Jess rounding up the sheep for shearing

A female shearer - first I have seen!

Scene from out the back of the shed

Mum, Dad, and I watched a netflex movie Sat night, and then this morning (Sunday) we went for a drive up to the Fortes area, followed by coffee at Middleton. It was a beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed meandering around and appreciating the stunning views. Then it was goodbye to Mum and Dad who I will see again at Christmas.

At the Fortes

Views of the harbour 

Mum's garden is flourishing!

I had a good drive back to Perth listening to music and enjoying the scenery.  I met Cynthia in Kojy as she brought in Dad's  electric bike to give to Mark. We went to a nursery/antique shop and I caught up with my old school friend Fauna - who coincidentally works in the gallery. She was excited to tell me that she sold one of my cacti this week!

Cynthia in the nursery

And now the waiting resumes!