Remembering 2017

Not sure if our lives are getting busier or the memory banks are getting full! but 2017 for us seemed enjoyable but very busy. What with relief teaching for Jane and projects for Ants life is full on. Early in the year the almost full time biology/ photography/science and maths relief teaching on the Island took up lots of time but still Jane got to utilise the new art studio that Ants built by converting part of the shed.

Our glorious view from our deck with our new sun awning built and designed by himself, he IS quite handy and skillful albeit not the most modest!! The awning has made the deck a really pleasant place to sit.

The Exterior of Jane's Art Studio which is part of the Shed/ Garage/ Car port....she still has lots of excuses for not getting on with her art but loves her new space. Below is the Studio interior which, like a suitcase, took no time at all to fill!!!

Our sign, won at an American River Shed Community Night by friends but given to us. Thanks.

Goshawk got her bottom anti-fouled down in American River

We harvested a great crop of pumpkins!!

We volunteered at Port Fairy FF. Ants sailed down and Jane drove over as she was teaching. As always it was brilliant, the acts, the vibe, the ukulele workshops and we got to explore more as we had the car with us. Found a great campsite just down the road which we think we will use in 2018 when we go again.

A highlight for us was meeting up with Terri (Jane's Sister) for two weeks cycling in Timor Leste. Terri has cycled from the UK (she officially left Devon on according to her the apt All fools day 2016) and meandered her way to the Southern Hemisphere. Come the Aussie end of her travels she definitely ran out of time to do Australia justice so hopefully another visit will be on the cards! Terri certainly hopes she can return.

Jane and Terri with local Timorese in the mountains

Ants on our way home from Robe Chinese Festival

While in Timor we went to Oecussi, the Timor Leste mountain enclave in Indonesia

The view from our balcony in a coffee growing mountain town Timor Leste

Kangaroo Island Dragons at Robe with Terri. Avid knitter Terri went on to knit a set of team headbands for the KI Dragons as a present for having her along.

Terri walking near the boulders on the Coorong

Jane sold her first piece of artwork through the Kingscote Community Gallery in January. 2017 has seen her sell approximately $500 worth of Artwork in small value pieces and cards.

In February Ants had his 60something birthday and this Atomic Coffee Maker was his present

We are on lots of committees and involved in lots of local activities on the Island now. It seems to be the same for most of our island friends what with Dragon boating, Bicycle User Group, the Community Gallery. Island life seems to be a huge list of things to be involved with and do. For Jane its Young at Art classes at the Lions Hall and the Junction Ukulele group and for both of us there is Dragon Boating, Bicycle User Group cycles, the Film Club, the Walking Club and My Patch bird watching with the Island Bird Watchers Group occasionally when we can fit it in. While Jane's sister Terri was around she came along to lots of these activities but especially the KI BUG rides, the Young at Art classes and the KI Spinners and Weavers group. 

Jane was captivated with this "silo art" on her way back from Port Fairy in Coonalpyn.

Terri did a lot of the KI tourists highlights with us back on KI. The ravine walk, the rocks etc. We stayed in Postman's cottage Flinders Chase

Ants on the Ravine Walk West End KI

Jane attends whenever possible the Young at Art fortnightly Art workshop in the Kingscote Lions Hall

Kerry and Ants on a sunny summers day in Holland

Then we flew to the Netherlands to go boating on our little dutch yacht Goanna. We had friends Kerry and Jenni aboard and whilst they were there a new plan developed. How about buying a bigger lifting keel yacht? Ants had his eye on this boat "Le Bateau"for a few months before our arrival in the Netherlands. So whilst exploring the beautiful waterways of Friesland and North Holland with our mates we bought another yacht (as you do)!!!! Thanks to Kerry and Jenny for being such good pals during their visit to put up with us buying and selling yachts. Despite all the trouble changing yachts it was an amazing holiday. We met so many friendly people other Aussies and also very helpful Dutch locals. We now plan to sail our new yacht home to Australia over the next few years. Still not decided on the exact route so many options but we will get there. 2018 will probably be spent sailing up the Kiel Canal to Denmark, back through the Netherlands and Belgium and then mast down into the French canal system. You are seriously invited to join us for some cruising on Le Bateau between May and September.

Goanna, Dutch boat number 1, a beautiful but little cruising yacht

Where we have our boat moored

"Le Bateau" the aptly named new boat

A new dodger was fitted in North Holland

Le Bateau in the reedy canals

Cycling in North Holland

Near The Hague

Interior of Le Bateau

Yet another windmill!

Friesland

We have two folding bikes aboard which are really handy

Jane had a quick visit to her mum who has been poorly in Devon, UK which conveniently was the same time that Terri arrived home from her mega cycling trip exactly on Jane's birthday which was the best birthday present ever!!! says Jane😁.
 After the Netherlands trip we came home to Kangaroo Island to catch up with maintaining the garden and the house. Oh yes, we got six rescue chooks (from local egg producers Kathy and Graham Barrett) who not only are lovely but provide us with 5 or 6 eggs every day!! Kathy and Graham are lovely as well!

This is Jonathon (we think... but we are not sure as its difficult to tell them apart) as she keeps herself to herself and does her own thing just like Jonathon Livingston seagull. She is extremely chatty and friendly and of course a good layer.

Have a happy Christmas love Janexxx and Antsxxx

That is it for now. Hope to see you in the New Year. Bloody ell,  2018 already!!! time is flying by.....