May 5-11...Perth

How lovely it is to be here again. We both love Perth and Morgan's place feels so comfortable. All the plants have grown and her home does not feel so "new". I had brought with me a few wall prints that were to be gifts. They are really nice pictures of Greek boats but they neither suited nor fitted anywhere in her house ... so that was a bit of a dud. They are now repackaged and stored in the shed! The clock I bought is perfect though.

Morgan's Front Courtyard

Lounge room

Back outside area

The new clock

On Saturday we were up early to go to the Kalamunda Markets. It is huge and often has some very original stalls. There was a little bit of time pressure as Morg had to be back for her "Bronze" training but we moved quickly and saw most things. I bought some earrings and  some dried fruit but again I learnt that travelling in the van does have storage restrictions.

Entrance to the Kalamunda Markets

When we went to leave the car would not start and there was a strong smell of petrol. It had only been serviced that week and this was its first real drive so we were a bit surprised. It turned out that the fuel line had come off...not an easy thing to happen as it has a safety lock. Obviously it was checked during the service and not put back on properly but the Service Agent claims innocence! Anyway, despite being late, Morgan still got to her training session at the East Fremantle Surf Club, and we followed later on.
It was a beautiful afternoon, really warm and still, and the water LOOKED very inviting ... but it was cold! Garry  went for a swim and enjoyed it but I was content with a beach walk.

Sunday was Mothers Day and we started at the Melville Markets. Only about 70 ms away from the unit, they are an excellent, and big, "junk" market at which we ALWAYS find something. Everything is bartered for so that can be a bit of fun. Most of the regulars are a bit pricey but there are always some one-off sellers and these are usually bargain prices. It is an interesting way to spend a Sunday morning.
After that we went for a picnic on the Swan River. Morgan knew of a great spot on the bend of the river and there was constant boat traffic to watch, as well as the occasional dolphin. We had a feast to eat, with champagne, so it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. It was also 30 degrees but the cloud kept things very pleasant.

Garry and Morgan enjoying a Picnic Feast

Mothers Day Picnic on the Swan River

For my retirement I had bought a leather Pandora bracelet. As an early birthday present I also bought 3 more beads. I now have a very expensive bracelet ... (what a racket this jewelery market is!)... but I love it. Each bead represents a member of my family (very sentimental) and it is exactly how I want it.

Retirement/Mothers Day/Birthday  Pandora Bracelet

On Monday we started our new car shopping ... from scratch. Prices were a surprise but so far Morgan is still deciding on shape and size. Ideally she would like a "soft SUV" but there is still a LOT of looking to do although, she did like the Lexus! We have started collecting brochures for her to look at and she and Garry will put in some serious time once Mum, who is only just arriving today, has gone home.
So, we are spending the morning sprucing things up and getting organized. It will be nice to have a visitor because it forces you to get out and do things, otherwise it is all too easy to be lazy. The weather is perfect and we can only hope that it holds for the next 8 days.