LIFE doesn’t seem to be slowing down much in 2025, but I did manage a short summer break away with my husband last month to a place I know so well but never tire of.
From my own high country to that only a two-and-a-half-hour drive in country Victoria we stayed in the alpine township of Bright, a popular holiday and retirement choice in the north east of the state.
The town once overrun with those seeking their fortunes during the gold rush is on the Ovens River providing an ideal place to sit, fish or wander along the banks.
It is also surrounded by plantation-clad hills before they give way to our beautiful mountain views. Nearby is one of the lowest mountains in the area Mt Buffalo which was an easy drive from the NSW border where I lived for winter school trips and family snow play. During the warmer months it is a wonderful hiking destination. It is also a jumping off point for hang gliders soaring over the farmland in the valley below. It is also home to the historic Mt Buffalo Chalet which after being closed for several years and lack of action by state government is undergoing renovations and will reopen as an outdoor educational facility. My husband and I enjoyed a romantic weekend away there several years ago when the restaurant and cafe were operating as well as the accommodation.
Here are some images I captured on my last trip with the river ones taken in Bright.
Anyone with an interest in the history of the chalet may like to check this website out to learn more.
Last year was full of the usual highs and lows that most of us experience during certain times of our lives. When I started to scroll through my photos, I was reminded it was mostly positive, and we got through the more difficult parts.
We are approaching our eighth year of the permanent tree change this month and often wonder if our life in the city was real or just our imagination! I miss good Greek food but not the traffic.
We saw in 2024 at friends’ pool side New Year Eve’s party at their home and the following day I was kept busy covering the local races for the newspaper.
The Mansfield district is well known for being a hub of all types of events. The annual Tolmie Sports in February continues a much-loved tradition and the wood chop, and the dog jump always draws a crowd.
During the same month we end up at a fundraiser for a local palliative care facility with the theme “sock hop”. The church hall was converted into a 1950s diner, and everyone was encouraged to dress up.
There is always an art show, live music, openings, markets, lantern festivals, author talks, classic cars show and shine, plays, and much more to enjoy.
My love of campdrafting continues with three different events held in the district throughout the year. It is a great family equestrian sport and a legacy from our early stockmen.
At home there is always plenty to do and enjoy in our rare downtime. We have planted an abundance of native trees to screen out the neighbours as well as provide shade and habitat for our visiting birds. While the pair of us are not great gardeners we have had some success growing fresh vegetables.
We hosted dinner parties to celebrate our birthdays and to catch up with friends. While not so many as the previous years we had the odd house guest.
Fine wine and food are a wonderful way to connect with others.
Sunsets never fail to please with the colours so delightful to enjoy at the end of the day.
Our neighbours run their black angus cattle in one of our paddocks when feed is plentiful.
We celebrated our 25th silver wedding anniversary in style earlier in the year at the beautiful historic house and winery cellar door with a catered lunch. The caramel mud cake was made by a local lady and was just as good to eat as to look at.
Easter was interrupted with an emergency dash to hospital for my husband who was suffering extreme stomach pains. From our local hospital I ended up driving him to a larger regional hospital over an hour away. Emergency at both sites was overflowing due to the holiday period and the start of the footy season.
He was finally transferred to a major hospital in Melbourne to have a blockage operated on. But scans had discovered a black mass on his kidney which meant that he had to return to the same hospital in June for an operation to remove his kidney. Six weeks recovery from operation and several months later we continue to see the specialists for checkups, but it appears they got all the cancer thank goodness. But it never pays to take things for granted. He is doing well although without the same stamina.
We have sadly farewelled some really special people in 2024, and the world is a better place from them being here but also the poorer for their loss.
I managed to catch COVID for the first time ever and it knocked me for six – forcing me to be away from work for more than two weeks.
Talking about hospitals, there was a community outcry when the news broke about plans by the state government to amalgamate our hospital with another two hours’ drive away. Thanks to a concerted effort by doctors and medical staff with the community right behind them we won the battle for now.
We still have my beautiful old cat Rambo who hangs in there, no doubt helped by the three pills he has each day. This makes it difficult for us to get away. Giving cats pills is not the forte of many house sitters! He is now 18 but still enjoys life although at a slower pace.
In March we acquired Clover a beautiful 12.2 hands pony with loads of attitude and a sense of fun. My husband who is not the horsey one in the family has bonded with him and the two together are such a wonderful combination.
In April I reverted back to casual hours at the local newspaper. I have enjoyed the privilege of sharing people’s stories and making sure they are heard.
The local show in November once again consumed all my spare time and energy. But the locals love their ag show.
Christmas lunch was at our place with other friends who were on their own. Everyone brought something making it a lovely day together.
Between Christmas and New Year, we got to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary with some very special people who hosted a wonderful dinner party at their beautiful farm home.
New Year’s Eve, we had friends over but opted for an earlier night. However, at 10.15pm the state emergency ap was busily beeping on our phones about a fire near Lake Eildon. Being our summer holidays there are a lot of campers in the bush surrounding our lake and rivers. A hot northerly wind is always a worry. Thankfully it was a still night but forced the evacuation of some campers and although several days later it was under control it is not yet out.
The first day of 2025 I was back at the Merton Picnic Races with camera and pen at the ready.
This morning after a very hot weekend, most welcome refreshing rain is falling.
Maybe that is my wish for the year ahead, that I am washed anew and ready for whatever 2025 wants to throw at me. May your year be full of more highs than lows too!
Of all the seasons, I have one that is dear Not one that brings lots of fear Due to storms and massive rain That do bring damage and pain.
A season that is mild and still Where mists can swirl until A warm sun breaks through the cloud While a farmer has his crops sowed.
The icy fingers of winter are yet to arrive But a touch of dew does give A sense of coolness yet to come That will make your body numb.
No other season can give such golden hues And call for blessings from the pews While nature chooses from the richest spectrum Of colours to woo us all so we all left dumb.
By Lynn Elder
Slow and sluggish during times of scarcity
Fast and furious when abundance reigns
And just a steady stream of activity in between.
Crescendos as water pours over rocky cascades,
Tranquil and still during times of less rain.
Sparkling as a jewel on a sunny day
Gloomy as the darkest winter's day.
The river travels far, not always aware of its destination.
But end the river must, if it is to become part of something bigger.
The river, a metaphor for my life.
When the skies turn bright blue and baking hot,
That is when a creature will seek out,
A respite from the blazing sun above,
And take a splash in water they do so love.
The echidna feels the heat as the mercury soars,
And gives him reason to pause,
Chasing busy ants with his probing beak,
And consider taking a break.
From the ant heap to the verandah, he does roam,
For there, he senses that at this home,
Lies untold luxury into which he does clamber,
A water bowl to wash, and then to slumber.
Some random photographs taken during 2022, most close to my home. Although there was much more freedom to roam than in the previous two years, life seemed to be focused on the scenes, animals and community activities of our local area. There is much to be grateful for and as we all head into 2023 may that continue. Happy New Year.
An instant stream overflows from our farm dam after heavy rain.
Splashes of yellow bright sunshine comes between,
Splashes of water bouncing upon the already drenched earth.
Splashes of red and blue announce the arrival of the rosellas,
Splashes of water in the bowls as they frolic and beg for seed.
Splashes and quacking as ducks land on overflowing dams.
Splashes of running water cascading over temporary waterways.
Splashes of mud and water as gumboots wade through.
Splashes and squelching as cattle sink into the quagmire.
Splashes of furious currents as spillways release the excess water.
Splashes as the four-wheel drive negotiates the potholes and puddles.
Splashes on the ground as the rainwater tank overflows.
Splashes of colour emerge in the form of flowers when grey clouds roll away.
Splashes of flowery fashions appear on the sunny spring days.
Splashes continue with each rainy day that insists on not stopping too soon.
Oh, what personality does spring display
When it thinks it is time to play.
Spring can be so fickle,
Also, so changeable.
Spring can be a myriad of colours
As bursting buds bring forth the flowers,
Then disappear in a breeze,
With the sudden arrival of a wintry freeze.
There is a promise of radiant sunshine,
For which we did all through winter pine,
For a return of some warmth to bask in,
And feel the sensation on our skin.
Spring does have a gentle side to its personality,
Amidst all the activity and vitality.
Blossom petals fall softly like light bird feathers,
And newborn lambs and calves snuggle against mothers,
To herald in the hope and joy of spring.
The icy embrace of snowy climes soon brings autumn to its knees.
No good praying for it not to be when winter arrives on time.
Artic blasts keep temperatures in check while us mere mortals shiver,
And slosh about in rubber boots to keep the water out.
Escape to the High Country... 