Term 1 begins...

Finally Tom starts back at school
Very excited to be going to High School

 There is action at the Town Hall as a much needed repaint is taking place. Even the flagpole is getting a lick of paint.

 Tom enjoys his first day back...but has forgotten to bring down a change of clothes for work.
Luckily Aunty Linda 's box of  Connor hand-me-downs arrived today...Thanks Linda (and Connor)

My friend Sally has invited me to crew on the St Ayles skiff for an evening row. We row out as far as the Sailing Club and have to abandon the idea as it is too windy and rough. We have a novice rower (a Swedish backpacker...and she has no idea how to row...and condittions are too challenging)

 I love the evening light up on the hill

 And indulge in a luxurious bath with a view!! Ahhhh

Morning views are pretty amazing too..

We delight in the brief visit by Jane and Ali on Saturday evening/Sunday morning...

 Tom is showing some Jamboree photos..

We have a lovely walk in the evening before dinner...and do another walk in the morning before a scenic drive down to Cygnet for lunch at The Lotus eaters..

Monday is a Public Holiday for Hobart Regatta Day..

We have a busy day at work though as most of our customers on the mainland have no idea it's a holiday here and orders keep coming in.

John gets Tom to do some pressing..

Hannah arrives during the day to stay and cook us dinner...how lovely.

Tom, Narns and I go down to Loongana Park in Cygnet at 6.30 for the #Let them Stay gathering.

There is a reasonable turn out even though it was a last minute rally advertised on Facebook

Tuesday dawns and Tom is presenting with a strange skin allergy on his neck.. he goes to school but by afternoon it is quite flared and uncomfortable.

The next two days see it flare up even more and spread to his face and a little on his arms..We are utterly mystified as to what has caused it.But going to school is out of the question. Poor Tom is trying to be so stoic...but has the occasional tear as the discomfort becomes unbearable...We try a whole range  of topical and internal remedies and conventional medicines...cold showers and ice packs are the most effective relief.

The only definite conclusion we can reach is that it is an allergic reaction due to exposure to something external...the distinct v shape of his shirt is apparent and it never spreads to his torso.

Thankfully by Thursday afternoon, Tom feels well enough to go to work then Scouts.

I get another offer to go rowing ...and this week we are successful...with a slightly different crew. I'm definitely in need of improving my upper body strength as I find  rowing into the wind quite a tough challenge..very pleased with myself though, I manage to keep going. 

By Friday morning the bumps are still apparent but have faded so Tom goes to school.

John heads off to Bruny Island for a workshop about Soil Nutrients..hope he finds it informative.

 The town is gearing up for the inaugural Le Weekend Cygnet...celebrating the French connection /explorers who gave us our original name of Port de Cygnes and made contact with the first people of Tasmania....stay tuned ..