A week in Nelson Vic

   Tuesday saw us leave Nelson Victoria after a quiet week of work and relaxation. We had a lovely stay at RiverVu Caravan park which is situated overlooking the Glenelg river. Each morning as I stepped from my tent I was blessed with a view of water, fishing boats, pelican's and seagulls.

   Nelson is a lovely town that, although the caravan park is bustling with people, has a laid back fisherman feel to it. The town, consisting of a hotel and corner shop come post office, really does not have a lot to offer but draws the holiday makers just the same. Sitting on the border of SA and Vic, 34 kilometres from Mt Gambier, all that is required is a short drive away.

Nelson Hotel

  Although the weather was not good to us, with only one sunny day and six that were cold and wet, we enjoyed our stay all the same. We have been able to get the December issue of Good Gabble to near finish point putting us right on schedule after the previous month of computer malfunctions. We did manage to get a couple of hours of beach time in, were I wrapped the towel around myself and shivered whilst the children dug and dug. Although chilly there was still a lot of laughter. There has been plenty of walking the dog along the Glenelg river and time spent swinging in the park.

   Whilst at Nelson I had the pleasure of meeting Brenton Manser www.brentonmanser.com.au  and his son Jesh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7_KYPcaRlk. Both are fine musicians with Brenton using music to tell stories of the past and Jesh playing the electric violin. Keep an eye on future issues of Good Gabble for articles on these very talented men.

   So this week we drive along the Great Ocean Road.....here's hoping for warmth and sunshine but regardless we will not let the weather dampen our spirit whilst on 'the road to positivity'

View Sam's photo's of Nelson at http://samlophotography.blogspot.com

Nabiac NSW - Where Modern Day Life Blends With The Past

* as published in Good Gabble Newzine, November 2010

   On the mid north coast of NSW, 24km south of Taree, there lies a little town called Nabiac. Bypassed by the Pacific Highway, the oasis that Nabiac provides is often overlooked. Those who stop find themselves welcomed in a town were retro is alive and the spirit of positivity has not been forgotten.

     With the first house being established in 1850, Nabiac, meaning “place of the wild figs”, is a town rich with history. Once inhabited by the Katang-speaking aboriginal people of the Worimi and Biripai tribes, Nabiac was first named Wollomba, changing to it's current name in 1908.

  With the Wallamba river running through town, Nabiac provides a place of rest and wonderment for tourists and travelers alike. Using Nabiac as our base we spent a week exploring the surrounding districts and found ourselves welcomed in a town that offers old style country hospitality with all the facilities of modern day life.

Greenhouse Cottage Cafe

   On our arrival at Nabiac I will be the first to admit that I did not initially fall in love with the town and actually wondered how anyone could live there. The saying 'looks can be deceiving' soon rang true. Although not visually appealing, the warmth, history and acceptance that is found in Nabiac surely makes one sure they will revisit. From those who serve you to those who you pass there was always a smile, a “How are you” and a moment to chat.

  All that is required, plus more, can be found in Nabiac, with an IGA providing for your daily grocery needs and a bakery to tempt your taste buds. There is a hair salon for a pamper and even a place for your tired weary dog to get that much needed shampoo. Whilst the living and breathing are being catered for there is also facilities to accommodate the mechanical and metal, with motor and caravan repair facilities. For the traveler there is plenty to eat, with the Nabiac Hotel providing cheap and delicious meals with a room to keep the kiddies amused. Having computer problems then your needs are catered for, along with an internet cafe allowing a place to contact loved ones. With plenty of rest rooms within town and a park for the kids to stretch their legs, Nabiac impressed me with its versatility and style.

   Being a lover of coffee I found myself in heaven as I sat and sipped at Greenhouse Cottage Cafe. Situated in the main street I visited this cafe on numerous occasions, building a loving relationship for their organic Merlo coffee. By far the best coffee I have ever had, Merlo is soft on the palette, not drying the mouth out like some coffee's. The atmosphere at Greenhouse Cottage is that with an Indonesian feel. As I sunk into the relaxing modern lounge chairs I could only dream of visiting places far away. With my little one amused with the toys provided I was able to spend time rebalancing my mind, body and soul. Opening at 7.30am Greenhouse Cafe is available for breakfast and lunch and also provides take away meals. With indoor and outdoor dining all weather is catered for.

  With bargain shopping being an important part of life and reusing and recycling a hot topic, Nabiac sure fits in with the times. This town may be small but there is certainly not a lack of second hand shops that cater for the needs of all. If it is a bargain or an antique you are looking for Nabiac is sure to be the place you will find it.

  Being one with a taste of the alternative I found myself not wanting to leave The Cool Look Shop which is situated in Nabiac Street. Vintage, retro, modern, preloved and new can all be found within the doors of this shop that had me walking down memory lane. The Cool Look Shop has everything girls, of all ages, could ever want. From homewares to clothing and fashion accessories I was in awe of the contents of the shop and could not believe that some of the items were still 'out there', actually circulating. With my children often hiding in embarrasment I went through the clothes racks laughing to myself and wondering what anyone was ever thinking all those years ago when they were fashionable.  I definitely showed my age as I walked the shop in excitement stating “I remember these” with a chorus following “ Are you for real?”

Did they really wear an outfit like this?

  The front of the brochure that sits next to me as I write this reads

'Nabiac. Stop, Shop, Come alive! You'll be surprised at what you find.......”

And that you will be!

Learn more about Nabiac at www.nabiac.com




More photo's of Nabiac can be viewed and purchased at http://samlophotography.blogspot.com

article: Jennifer Deaves

Computer problems slow us down

     Firstly I must apologize for the tardiness of blogging and letting everyone know what we are up to. There has been a good reason for this, as I will explain.

   Around a month to six weeks ago my computer caught a terrible virus that has caused me nothing but headaches. For weeks we worked into the small hours of the morning trying to kill the bug and fix the terrible problems it was causing my programs. All this had to be done whilst continuing to compile Good Gabble. Thank you to Michael Neary who spent many hours on Skype screen sharing with me and walking me through the in's and out's of my computer. With Mike located in New Zealand and a time difference of two and a half hours this often meant he saw the sun rise his end. I cannot thank him enough for his support and patience.

   Unfortunately no matter how many virus progams we ran, how many programs we isolated and no matter what we did the virus was smarter than us and last Friday Muse ( my computer ) could handle it no more. The blue screen of death overtook her and she was admitted to the local PC doctor. She was returned to me today with a new lease of life.

   I learnt a lot from this experience. Of course there is the obvious - back up everything important on your computer, make sure you have a great virus scan ( which I may add I had but this new virus was way more clever ) and do not take your computer for granted.

   I also learnt a lot about myself. I found that I do not understand the workings of a computer and never ever want to and that computers have a language of their own. I also found myself and my ability to cope in a situation that could have been fatal to my business. At no time did I stress or panic but work toward the goal of repairing and fixing the issue. I also learnt that nothing on my computer is as important as I think it is. It is only a piece of technology that I can survive without. Yes it makes life easier, at times, but can also make life harder. I am far too reliant on Muse, forgetting how it use to be done before the computer age.

   I do believe that Muse needed a rest and so did I. Without my computer I did no work on Good Gabble over the weekend, having a well earned break. At first I thought I would be at a loss but I actually enjoyed it. I regrouped with my family and grounded myself back to reality. I realised that I work far to many hours and vow to take at least one day off every weekend to spend time with my kids. I love the work I do with Good Gabble but working 13 hour days 7 days a week just has to stop. I spent the weekend relaxing, watching movies with the kids and reading ( of course I was reading to review the book for Good Gabble but we won't acknowledge this as work). Today I actually feel that my computer has become an intrusion on my family more than it is a blessing and vow to make this change.

   I ask all to be patient with us this month as your copy of Good Gabble may be a week later than usual. We hope you understand that this was an issue beyond our control. We are currently finalising the November issue and should have our November issue circulating by next Monday.

  Thanks for your patience and understanding.

  Have an absolutely amazing November........blogging more regularly from now on.

                                                               Jennifer.