Pear Tree Cottage

I thought I had better follow my last glass half-empty blog with a cup that overfloweth.  The boys have had an adventurous winter break.  Rufus and Henry were booked into football (that is English football, not the blood-thirsty Aussie Rules) over three half-day sessions.  During the second week it was gymnastics.  Jonty (or Bongo as The Accountant calls him) has been perfecting his walking, ball holding and further advanced exploration of the toilet and toilet accessories.

My job has been ferrying the boys to and fro from activities, keeping them amused at all other times, making endless snacks and providing hot meals.  And of course, the all-important keeping Jonty away from the toilet.

We were lucky enough to be able to book a lovely cottage at very short notice during the second week of the holidays for the four of us.  Pear Tree Cottage is situated in South Gippsland, probably the wettest place in Australia.  Gorgeous countryside, a luxury cottage and the B&B lady provided us with a hamper of home-made breakfast goodies including jams, muffins, cakes, break (none gluten-free!) and the usual eggs and bacon.  This is a much better idea with children than having to get everyone dressed and seated in a formal breakfast room first thing in the morning.

The cottage had an open-fire, spa bath and lovely big garden with views of the surrounding countryside.  "Wow.  It's just like England!" the boys shouted as they ran outside.  And I had one of my favourite things of all time: high-quality linen.  Jonty and I slept in the mezzanine bedroom at the apex of the cottage.  I had the best night's sleep in ages listening to frogs, cows and birds outside.  And nothing else but occasional traffic on the main road.  It was bliss.