Looks like we're staying awhile...

Rob sampling scotch at the Lark Distillery

Rob is giving us a "cheers" for the good work we've accomplished and the fun we've had in the meantime.  On Monday, our final day in Hobart, Rob, Alicia, Griffin and I started the morning with a whisky tasting.  Two years ago, Rob flew out to Hobart to participate in a four day scotch experience at the Lark Distillery.  This experience was provided by Alicia as a wedding gift to Greg and Rob was invited along.  Greg and Rob purchased a barrel of whisky which is now ready for bottling, how convenient!  We each had a sample from the barrel, decided on bottle shapes and sizes for the whisky then continued on with our day.  The single malt should be bottled and ready to enjoy in a couple of weeks.

The Lark- a sculpture sitting outside the distillery

Tapping into Greg and Rob's barrel
(removing the sealing plug to draw a sample)

Ah, the Tasmanian devil

Next, Alicia suggested we enjoy mid-morning tea over in Richmond, TAS.  Richmond is known to have some of Australia's oldest colonial architecture. We drove a short distance to this small town and stopped in a bakery for meat pies, scones, apple tarts and Chai lattes.  It was a lovely autumn morning, perfect for a picnic next to the second oldest working bridge in the world.  Alicia laid out a blanket for us all and we looked upon the bridge, ducks, water and grassy plant life.

Griffin with treat in hand. The seagulls behind him are hoping he'll become careless with his snack

Our first meat pie in Australia!

Griffin feeding the ducks by the stream under the bridge
(with Mum, Alicia, & Berto)

Behind us, the bridge is stamped with the date: 1823... WOW!

On our way back to Hobart, we stopped at a cheese factory called, "The Wicked Cheese Co."  We were able to peek into the cheese making process (there didn't appear to be a tour running but several large windows gave a view into the factory).  We were able to try a few cheese samples and purchased a whisky infused cheese- it just seemed appropriate for the day. 

Rob entering the cheese factory

Bearded Cheese Man
He is dipping fresh cheese wedges into black wax

The rest of the day in Hobart consisted of Rob and I furniture shopping for our new diggs.  We turned in the application for the home rental and drove to several different furniture stores in search of a new couch, love seat, kitchen table and mattress.  Our new place is furnished but we'd like to add our own style into the house.  We have some ideas and will return to the two main stores we liked when we are ready to move in.  I am happy to say that today (Wednesday) we learned we got the lease!  It's official, we have a home in Hobart :).

Back in Melbourne, Rob and I had an easy Tuesday morning and waited to hear back from our car salesman regarding the repairs and paperwork for the car.  Rob applied for car insurance in the meantime so we'd be covered starting that day.  We are now the new car owners to... drum roll please... a 2004 Mazda Tribute!  We picked up the vehicle that afternoon, after our Maggie visit and we really like the car.  We had such an easy time purchasing this car that I decided to fondly name it after our car salesman, Loris.  Being that we had a rental car up to this point and needed to return it to the airport, I had to get behind the wheel of Loris and follow Rob to the car rental.  I'll be honest, I turned on the radio to calm my nerves as I drove awkwardly down the streets and freeway but it helped to be strictly following Rob.  Once we returned the rental, we headed home, in Melbourne traffic, through the heart of the city (to avoid toll roads) and I only was honked at twice... from what I can remember... smile.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  And no one was harmed.

Loris!

My new back side

So we have a house, a car in Hobart and a car in Melbourne which we will ferry over come May 12th.  We have cell phones, a new coffee maker/grinder, Vegemite in the fridge, what else do we need...?  Our girl, Maggie.  We saw Maggie yesterday and once more she is looking well.  One of the keepers informed us yesterday that she hasn't been toileting in her pen (no potty on concrete).  The keepers have been taking her out of her pen, twice a day, to a grassy area for her to do her business.  You see, Maggie is no fool, she'll get out of that pen anyway possible.  It also explains why she is going potty frequently when we visit her.  During our visit, she gets a lot of ball throwing and treats as well.  18 days and counting to freedom...

Roly, this picture is for you...

Amateur video, please excuse the fact that 

the screen is on it's side.  Enjoy anyway!

Action shot

Tomorrow is a holiday for Australia, Anzac Day, so Rob and I will be hanging out in Melbourne and may catch a parade.  It will be fun to see the festivities around the city... walking, not driving.  :)