Springing into action

"...but these backwaters of existence sometimes breed, in their sluggish depths, strange acuities of emotion..." 

Edith Wharton

Last weekend I attended the "Formal" at the current school - it's a type of graduation I guess as many students seem to finish their formal education at the end of year 10 here in Tasmania.  It takes us back to the seventies when it wasn't unusual to see 80% or more of our classmates gone by year 12.  We're fairly certain it cannot be good for the state or the country - particularly when in other areas (e.g. Canberra), year 12 retention rates remain consistently above 95%.
Anyway the formal was a great excuse to dress up and visit a wonderfully picturesque location near Sandy Bay called Glen Albyn Estate (click on video to see the Advert).  The night was dark and stormy, but still beautiful...

Yes, one student did fall into the pool <sigh>

The springing thing means that grass is growing mad and insects abound.  Good for sheep and chickens, some of whom can be seen capitalising on this warmth by cavorting happily in the grandly named "orchard".

The soundtrack comes from the album "Lament" by Nick Osborn.  We heard Nick a couple of weeks back at our local watering hole "Willie Smiths Apple Shed" which is where we can be found some Friday nights glugging our way way through growlers of Apple Cider (organic of course - i.e. made out of Carbon).  Here is one fair maiden spotted in the corridors of this fine drinking establishment.

Fine technique for the Cider guzzle!

It's amazing to have quality local music and great food/drink within a few kms of home - nice one Tasmania!