Close to the Edge (of the World!)

Hello!

No, I haven't fallen off the edge of the world...we are fine and still living in Australia! 

It's been a year since my last post.  Many, many things have come to pass, but I am not issuing any excuses.  I guess it wasn't time. Let's see....where to start.

If I was to start at the beginning, you would think me pedestrian...keeping you absorbed is a much better path to travel...so with that being said...let's start with the present!

Presently Yasmin and I are living in Torquay.  A coastal town, located a mere 100kms from Melbourne.  We are also a short 30 minute trip to Geelong, a thriving community located on the Southwestern portion of Port Philip Bay, so we have all the stores and theaters we need to survive close at hand!

The around and in Torquay is pristine....the water clear, the sky infinite, the air pure and fresh.  Everyday....and I mean this....everyday I am thankful for experiencing this place.

Torquay is at the Eastern start of the Great Ocean Road...this road was built by servicemen who had returned from WWI...it connected the small coastal communities along the rough coastline of Southern Victoria.  The road was opened in 1932, and is a tribute to all of Australia. If you would like to learn more about the Great Ocean Road, click on this link : Building the Great Ocean Road

Torquay is growing by leaps and bounds....many people come here in the summer months, and during school breaks for holiday.  Due to demand, many old homes are being torn down and replaced by Townhouses and Units.  It is interesting to be in a location that is currently involved in shaping new infrastructure...we will get involved in community actions and hope the growth is kept plausible.  I would be so disappointed if Torquay lost that freshness; the ease that a quaint town seem to exude.

Yasmin and I are adding to the growing community.  We are in the planning stages of a new house based on the ancient Indian principle of Sthapatya Veda.  We are incorporating sustainable options to every area we can....solar panels for conversion to electricity; rain water tanks to use for in our gardens, toilets, and laundry; no clothes dryer (Hills Hoist clothes line, thank you); wood stove for heat; double insulated windows, and ceiling and wall insulation to reduce heating and cooling.  The area we are building in requires all lots to be a minimum of 1 acre, and homes must keep to the "rural, coastal" look.  All homes must have a plan for trees and plants which must be native to this area.  

We designed our house, with the help of a Sthapatya Veda consultant, so it has taken us some time.  During this period we have dealt with health issues, selling Yasmin's home in Coburg, packing and moving, and all the things that go with living and growing.

Not to dwell on the past, but to move toward the future...this is my desire.  

One day we took a trip to our friends' cabin located in Barramunga, which is in the Ottways National Park.  Incredibly quiet, massive trees, king parrots...its all there.  I have included a link to some pictures of the area.  I hope you enjoy.

I also will start writing more....take more time to reflect on this beautiful place, wonderful life, and the bliss of living. 

To See some pictures from the Ottways, click on the photo.  This will open a new site called Picassa Web Albums. You can view the photos uploaded to this album.

The Ottways

Thank you all for your thoughts and love.  I will write more soon....promise.

Cheryl