Oliver of Otterburn meets some locals

I think that it is about time that I reported something about the local wildlife.

Australia is an island continent and was cut off from the rest of the world for many many thousands of years. From the time of its discovery by Europeans, it has been known to possess animals and birdlife that are distinctly different from those found in other parts of the globe.

I went along to the Caversham Wildlife Park near the city of Perth in Western Australia. It is a very good place to see a number of the
locals collected together in the one place. Parents like to take their children there to let them enjoy the experience of close contact with the animals.

Firstly, of course, I trotted along the see the iconic Australian animal, the kangaroo.

I was just browsing on some nice green grass
when a kangaroo came over to say hullo. He was a very inquisitive fellow and we got along quite well until I felt that he was getting a
little too familiar, especially as he was getting familiar with the wrong end of me.

My next visit was to see a koala. Everyone knows these cute cuddly little blokes. But that is only when they are awake, and that is not
a lot of the time. I couldn’t find one that would wake up to say hullo to me, they all just kept sleeping away the day.

Well, it is a nice way of life if you can get away

with it.

One of the smiling bird handling lassies introduced me to a sooty owl.
He is very big bird and very wise as we all know, but he didn’t have a lot of time to pass on much of his wisdom before I was taken to meet a gang gang cockatoo.

He is a very handsome bird with a mottled grey body and a contrasting pink head. All he cares about is eating any kind of fruit or berries that he can get his claws into. He squawked and cackled a bit but he was not interested in me at all, just a mere sheep and totally inedible.

Finally, on a road outside the park I found a

shingleback lizard.
These fellows do like to lay on a warm surface in the sunshine. One
large warm surface that is easy to find is a road. Now, even I can see
that it is dangerous to lay down on a road to sunbake. So, I took some
time to explain this to the shingleback. I am happy to say that he did
take notice of my words and waddled off into the bush. That made me
feel good.

Zoe" of Hartburn goes to Mexico with Di from Vancouver

Di took me on holiday to Mexico.

Service was fabulous, 4 star hotel, Rui Santa Fe Cabo San Lucas.

Resting after, long wander on the beach! Kept fluids and sunscreen handy.

So there was no bathing cap, they had nose plugs and I had to just jump
in and swim but the sauna was the best.

(Oh ya, the sleep at the end of the
yoga class was the best...I didn't need a blanket or cover as my coat was
just enough.) I always got wonderful compliments wherever I went.

Yoga was very relaxing, breathing in short snorts was easy, the long breath out and

1 legged pose was a bit much, but very nice.

I think I prefer yoga to hunting and fishing

Racoons my Eye!

Grouse Mountain was fabulous, the guys doing the carvings
were huge!!!

Me just home from Cabo, Mexico.

More soon,

love Zoe

From Lance the Piper in North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina, USA

March 20th - May 15th 2011

I traveled via plane from my home in the rolling hills of Northumberland to the greenery of North Carolina.

I felt safe in the company of Kerry, Gideon, Jacob & Elliot, my companions to the States.

Once we arrived in their home, they kept me in a prominent place so that I can be a part of their daily routines.

Their busy life of home, school and work is accented by family games and visits with friends. During the day when everyone is out, I have had some quality time with their dog, Kes. She has told me of her birth place in Tanzania, and her formative years in England. I'm not the only world traveler!

SPRING TIME HAS ARRIVED

Over the last two months the weather has proved varied and, at times, scary. On April 16, several tornados came through the area, very close to our house. Many people were severely affected. We were very lucky to be safe in our home. With the arrival of spring, we have been entertained by the many sightings of our State bird, the cardinal, in our garden.

(Photo 1 & 2): Spring time also means baseball season. I was able to visit a local little league practice and see the kids in action. They even taught me the words to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

(Photo 3): I learned all about how far I had traveled on this cool map at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina. Look . . . I'm on the east coast of the United States.

(Photo 4): I worried that my next journey was going to be via space rocket, but luckily it will be in my cozy box through the mail. I'm on my way to Washington D.C. to spend time with the Harris Family.

(Photo 5): But not before I beat everyone at Yahtzee just to prove that I, Lance the Piper, can do more than just play a mean Northumbrian pipe.

P.S. Oops! I'm just trying to work out how to turn this photo the correct way round. Be patient with me!

Lance

Hermie in New York

Latest news from Hermie!

During the School Easter holidays, I travelled across the Atlantic to New York City!

The ‘Big Apple’ was so different from my usual surroundings, it was noisy, busy with very very tall buildings which looked like they reached the sky!

My companions took me around some of the sights, and as you can see from this picture I am in Times Square. I felt a little out of place, as there were no fields, green space of freedom to wander! The sights I saw were quite amazing, so much traffic, yellow cabs, different languages spoken, brightly coloured adverts and flashing lights!



My next stop is the Rockerfeller Centre in the middle of Manhattan! Can’t wait!!

We whizzed up 70 stories to witness Manhattan from the top! My stomach did a flip and my head was spinning especially when my companion held me out over the edge! We could see the Empire State Building just behind me!



Here I can see more views of the New York skyline. A truly amazing experience.

I listened very carefully to the tour guide who explained about the rich history and artistry of New York’s most famous landmark. At one point I was able to see Central Park, the green trees, gardens and lakes.

However, I was very pleased to get my four feet back onto solid ground!

I am now back in the UK at The Hermitage Academy; yes have you noticed the name has changed! More news later.

Gilbert of Hethpool helps Tippy Mueller with some DIY

Hi Mum,

I'm here with Tippy and Vince Mueller at the moment, soon to set off for the Grand Canyon. We got inspired in front of this photo of the canyon hanging in the lobby of Frank Loyd Wright's famous Double Tree Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Then we went out for a beer at a wonderful place called the Bungalo.

Here I am with our waitress, Keri.

Isn't she pretty?

Then, Tippy and I had a talk about our trip to the Grand Canyon. We've been busy around the Mueller household doing all kinds of projects. I helped Tippy make this Carousel Table from odds and ends she found at a flea market. They use it under their gazebo in their back garden. Their time for travel is limited at the moment, so I'm considering striking out on my own. Tippy doesn't think I can make it on my own. She says it's way up north of here, but she doesn't know how good of a climber I am. She says it's too far, but she doesn't know how far I've traveled on my own. If you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry, Mum. I might be away from amenities for a while.

I'll write as soon as I can.

Always faithful and true,

Gilbert

Who is the new No.9 at Newcastle United?

Our spies can reveal the Newcastle United No. 9 shirt has been filled for next season. The mystery striker was seen wearing the famous shirt yesterday and his/her identity will be announced at a press conference soon.

Dick T.

Precious - Seoul searching part 2

(picture 5) The war memorial museum was really fascinating; I learnt about the history of Korea and even I got up close with the planes and land vehicles that were used during the Korean War. This is me on one of the Republic of Korean airplanes.

(picture 6) The ‘Clock of Peace’ was interesting. At the moment the time has not been set; this will happen when there is finally peace between the two Korean nations.

(picture 7+8) The most famous Palace in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung.

This is me outside one of the gates to the Palace complex.

The changing of the guards ceremony was colourful and lively although the guards were very scary.

Precious - Seoul searching part 1

A bit of ‘Seoul’ searching in South Korea

(picture 1) I have been spending the last few weekends in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The metro system is really easy to get around the city and each ride is only about 60 pence so I can go far on my pocket money!

(picture 2) I took a tour of the ‘secret garden’ at the Changdeokgang Palace. We entered by a mysterious path that led us in to a quiet and beautiful area filled with trees, ponds and many historical buildings used by the Royal Family to relax back in times gone by. Behind me is apparently the only duel roofed pavilion in the world, according to the tour guide! The colours were beautiful.

(picture 3) I had a nice run in the park, it was great

to have a break from the city and admire it from afar. This is me on the banks of the Han River looking back over to centralSeoul.

(picture 4) I have even been making friends with the locals!!!