Rambo is Painting Our Apartment

Otherwise known to us as Superman and Wonder Woman, Arthur and Rose pose as the Casa handyman and cleaning lady when not performing miracles browbeating our landlord into submission to make this place livable. We would have had to move without their help because the place was such a hole, but, most importantly, they are a joy to know.

Rose and Arthur are Characters with a capital C! Rose is originally from Liverpool and has a million stories. She lived in the States for thirty years and holds the title as the non-American obnoxious American because she gets frustrated with the way things are done in Australia by comparison. Rose is a get things done kind of lady and the Western Australia (Wait Awhile) mentality drives her crazy. She and Arthur also remind us of Andy Capp and Flo and are so entertaining when they are squabbling because you can see the love they have for one another despite what they're saying.

Rose might be tiny but, believe me, she's a spitfire.

We have Rambo painting our walls! Arthur just celebrated his 64th birthday despite the fact that he served multiple tours in Viet Nam with the Australian version of Special Forces. He's been struck by lightening twice, shot and blown up but still can run circles around guys half his age. Arthur loves to have fun and is so warm-hearted.

No Aussie barbie is complete without a sausage sizzle.

Arthur is more than a tough guy; he's an accomplished cook and enjoys throwing parties. He not only invited us to spend the day and have dinner at his home in Mandurah but also drove us there and back, with close to an hour drive each way!

Since no one is allowed to help in Arthur's kitchen,
Jill supervises instead.

Despite the fact that we occasionally get angry people at our front door when Vin overbooks, there is an upside to living above holiday rentals. We met two wonderful Canadian sisters and hung out with them while they were here. Arthur also invited them to come to Mandurah.

The crew at one of the beaches along the way.

It's hard to believe such a beautiful beach is
so deserted even on a cloudy day.

Doesn't this make you want to have a picnic?

The weather changes quickly here. What intriguing clouds!

The water is crystal clear and inviting.

This used to be a nude beach but is now
used to exercise thoroughbred horses.

Penquin Island can be reached on foot at low tide
and is inhabited by, you guessed it, tiny penguins.

Claire and Jill relax on our patio.