Phone: 61-7-40 603 413

Alternative Phone: 61-7-40 603 399

Fax: 61-7-40 603 423

September 2006

It's been a busy year so far with barely time to think of what's really happened.

Already September and we as a family have flown to Europe to take stock of things and have a break in our apple and grape strewn   cottage at the foot of the Voges mountains, Alsace.

Haggerstone is having a unique year in as much as the rainwater tanks are still full and the orchard so thick with greens we have to cut our way through. At one stage Roy was arriving daily at the back steps with wheelbarrows of Papayas. We had Papaya puree, papaya ice cream, and papaya juice, dried papaya...sick of Papaya!

Besides Papaya the rocket has reached jungle status, Chinese greens are flourishing and we even have our own private supple of bananas; something of which the rest of Australia has been deprived since cyclone Larry.

Roy's great day came with the arrival of our new boat. It's the surrogate Ferrari he never owned, capable of 40knots in six inches of water. Super gas stove burners churning out fast food Roy style 'a la mar'. She (jo JO III) looks pretty good too, slightly larger and a little more room to move. The children are fine and flourishing. They seem to be surviving school with Mum quite well. Sam has become Roy's right hand man on the boat. Tahsa, taken up painting in a big way. Both still enjoying the company of the many children that comes to the island, some of which have remained firm friends. Mel is still with us. Her role on the island is ever increasing. She gained her first Haggerstone badge after experiencing a horrendous 52-hour trip to Cairns. As Roy's only 'deckle' she endured extremely rough weather, the usual back breaking seas, lack of sleep and a break down on the outer barrier for good measure.

I am quietly and thoroughly enjoying my role as teacher. Besides getting the brain ticking again it has gained me time with the children. School takes about half my day with the rest spent with guests, house and garden.  O.K. there might be a bit more shouting and banging echoing from the schoolroom, but overall it has been a good change.

Were I sit now I can hear the axe chopping fire wood, the tractors bringing in the potatoes from the field and the children squabbling over wether to pick apples, pears, plums or grapes from the fields. The wine is in the cellar, bread on the table and many a good meal ahead. November is busy on the island, we are ready to go. Let's just hope Roy doesn't get done for speeding on the open seas.......