BROOKLYN IN OZ

Our short trip to the central coast of Queensland came to an end. We motored home a different way and called into the small country town of Howard. We had heard of an historic house there, so we called in. It is a privately owned house but it is heritage listed. The owner gives tours and tells of its history. She included some spooky stories too. She and her husband have lovingly restored the house after finding it in a run down state. Empty except for local teenagers using it as a hangout. However, their children have left home and the owners want to move on and the house is up for sale. $799,000.00

An historical 64sq Queensland home built in 1890. Brooklyn House, with its 14 feet high ceilings, marble mantelpieces, cedar and beech panelling comprising six bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge and dining room, study, sun room, kitchen with eating nook, upstairs  apartment, open 9 feet wide verandas on three sides, a grand double stairway entrance and four marble fireplaces. Includes a cottage craft shop and Devonshire teas.

 The house was built for Dame Annabelle Rankin, a famous politician:
Dame Annabelle Jane Mary Rankin DBE (28 July 1908 – 30 August 1986) was the second woman member of the Australian Senate, the first woman from Queensland to sit in the Parliament of Australia, the first Australian woman to have a federal portfolio and the first Australian woman to be appointed head of a foreign mission.

The owners bedroom

Guest room

The kitchen had both old and modern appliances.

Then it was home to our little suburban houses in Brisbane.

BIRTHDAY BEAR GROWS HIS OWN.

Birthday Bear came to celebrate George's Birthday with us today. We tried a new restaurant today and it was very good. Cucina of Italy at Sunnybank. George was invited to this restaurant when he helped the owner who was admitted to the hospital where George is a volunteer. 

Bear was at the restaurant to meet us dressed in his gardening clothes with his wheelbarrow, shovel, watering can and plenty of veggie seedlings and seeds ready to plant. Bear also had a photo of himself with a huge rockmelon/cantaloupe that he had grown.

Birthday Bear must have known that George is a keen gardner who enjoys growing vegetables. George was even bragging about the big rockmelon that he had grown. So Birthday Bear is looking forward to joining George in the garden.

George is happy to have a helper in his garden. Mary enjoyed dressing Bear for George's birthday.

Birthday Bear with his wrinkly friends from L to R George, Bill, Paul, Helen, Mary, moi, and Ann.

Many of us had lasagne

Bill had ribbon pasta and chicken.

The meals and service were very good as well as the Italian decor and ambiance.