The Machinist's Wife

Pioneer Farm Museum, Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales

This was our second visit to the Kangaroo Valley Museum. The first one was over 20 years ago, when we were homeschooling our children.

Nothing much has changed, as it shouldn't. The Machinist and I enjoyed our time there and had a good chat with a lady who was making butter.

Communication back then....

Post Office display

An old "copper"

Laundering utensils displayed on the back deck

"The Laundry"

The tea table (and everything else)

Frock and apron

I always wonder about the display dressers of old. Did the homemaker have regular-use
dishes and plates, or did she wash and dry after each use, returning them for display?

Cosy in winter. Extremely hot in summer.

Where's the family?

A sideboard for the "pretties"

Another dresser for the lesser used items.

Activity corner!

The parents bedroom. See the ghost in the picture glass reflection?

Lots of sewing and darning to be done.

A Child's pram. I wonder if mama had her special set of straps to keep the child in.

Recreation and entertainment

Boots and shoes. Such personal items. See how they've been shaped to each
individual's feet?

Farmworker Huts

Inside the hut. Brrrr.... feel the winter breeze? And in the summer? Oh my - what could
creep in? Answer: Snakes!

Fitzroy Falls, New South Wales

Fitzroy Falls is on the way to Kangaroo Valley, but we popped in on our way back home. The Machinist pulled over to have a peek at "Grandpa's Shed" and all its wares, and I hoofed it on my own, while waiting for him.

The rain fell softly, but increased in vigour as I walked through nearby trees and grasses. When we both made our way on the track to the falls, it had stopped, which gave us time and opportunity to admire the flora and fauna.

Oh, and the lyre bird.

Have you ever imagined falling into a waterfall? I have....

"Smoke... in the valley..." tra la la... But it's not smoke, and there's no fire in the sky.

The Falls from different angles

One scene of many - flora and fauna

Hello Lyre Bird

"Catch me if you can"

"You can't catch me!"

"Why aren't you chasing me?"

Anyone home? I didn't want to wait. Well... I did and I didn't. I wanted to KNOW, but I
was also wary as to what / whom may pop their head out.

Helllllooooooo?
Run!

Iandra Castle, near Greenethorpe, New South Wales

The Machinist and I took a drive to Iandra Castle, near Young, New South Wales. I took many photos of the Castle and grounds; - far too many to upload here. And besides, I think you may become bored with them, as some are very detailed.

I couldn't wait to get out of the car and make my way towards the castle. I wanted to get lost in my own imaginings of the Green family. How they may have thought and felt. How they may have conducted themselves.

How they coped in a foreign land.

I think I need another visit to Iandra. I really do. Time evaded us. The sun began to set before we left the premises.

I did, however, return home with a few - ahem - tokens for remembrance of our day there; pods and seeds from the castle garden. My bag was heavy with them. One day, I will plant them.

If the castle intrigues you like it does me - you can read more here:
Iandra Castle & Mt Oriel Homestead