Last weekend we drove to Castlemaine to stay overnight.  What a wonderful country town that is well set up for the tourist (but not too touristy!!).  We had a family reunion to attend.  I was a bit hesitant about going, I didn't know anyone that would be there (except for my immediate family).  The Lovel reunion was at the Campbell Creek Community Centre and they were expecting approximately 140 people there.  Castlemaine was a good central spot for everyone to come.

I really enjoyed the afternoon and evening, meeting members of my extended family and hearing stories about how my Grandfather grew up in a small house in the country with 9 other siblings (8 boys and 2 girls!!) during the Depression.  His mother died months after her 10th child and they were brought up by their father.  What a struggle it must have been.  In the hall, each sibling had a board with their old and recent family photos put up on them.  I loved looking at them.  So many stories and history.  My Grandfather is the last remaining sibling from the Lovel clan and is the grand age of 86.  Hopefully he will be around for many more. 

The next day, we enjoying a sensational breakfast at a local cafe, visited the regular Farmer's market and played in the playground in the centre of town with the kids.  Needed to wear the kids out a bit before the drive home.  Lots of big old trees in the park, great for shade (and good for playing a bit of hide and seek) and new play equipment.

Next to our accommodation, we visited a recently renovated historic book store with B& B (Wisteria Book Barn).  Haved added some photos.  A lovely couple have proudly restored the residence.  They had a wonderful range of old books for example complete sets of Enid Blyton for sale and old stamps.

On the trip home, we drove up to Harcourt (5 minutes out of our way) to get some fresh fruit from the road store there.  Worth doing.  Great quality and lasts for ages.