Mom's birthday

Waking up early again has it's benefits.  We got to get on the road after singing happy birthday to Mom.  Dave, our proprietor from Kinross Motor Inn there in Cooma was a gem and let me just say the person in the Mobil petrol station was spot on about Kuma Bakery being the best bakery!  When we stepped in the door not only could you feel the wonderful and much accepted warmth of the ovens because it is all fresh baked on the premises but also from the staff.  The ladies working the counter in that shop were just as sweet as their creations!  I think I can take liberties and speak for the rest of the group and say that was one of the best bakeries we have come across since this journey began.

We pointed the car towards ACT and didn't stop until we arrived at Parliament Zone.  It was amazing to walk through and, as there were no sessions on, we were allowed to look at the area of Senate and House of Representatives.  It was also fascinating to see the people who came to see the place, too; just like in the states there seemed to be more foreigners admiring than Aussies.

We couldn't leave without stopping by to see the Australian War Museum.  When we walked into the Hall of Valor it almost brought tears to my eyes.  The men and women who gave so much for their country without regard for their lives, to be honored with a medal is in no way enough to show the extent of the sacrifice.  Reading letters that family members received notifying them of their loss some accompanied by personal effects (one was a man's pocket watch that was hit by shrapnel and stopped at the time its owner died) left me speechless.

We continued on our way and arrived at Picton Valley Motel for the evening.  We are taking it easy tonight.  We had dinner here at the motel, they were kind enough to let us share in a bottle of McGuigan's Mascato were have had chilling in the refrigerator for a few days, so we could toast Mom's birthday and it was delish!  Now Mom and Dad are re-packing one last time, Richard and I are watching footy while downloading pictures and sharing with the folks before they go.  It is off to the airport planned leaving at 8:30 tomorrow morning then off to check in to our hotel - while I fear Richard may have to check in by himself until I can stop crying.

Is it really Friday already?

Today was another travel day and this time from Albury to Cooma via Kosciuszko National Park which means we drove the Snowy Mountains Highway over Mt Kosciuszko to Cooma.  A little outside of Albury we came across a field that was covered in sulfur-crested cockatoos and a handful of gallahs.  We saw signs along the way to watch for roos, koalas, womats and even brumbies - we managed to see some some roos but the others must have been hiding on the other side of the hills. 

It's been amazing seeing the changing of the leaves here in Oz.  I keep saying who needs Vermont and Connecticut when you have these views and colors. ;)  I have been wishing in my heart that one day soon the rest of my family members - especially some special guys and gal - will get a chance to see this beautiful country!  We did have some laughs again today but I think we were mostly speechless in awe of the beauty.  I have said numerous times how this scenery reminds me of the UK in some areas and even my dad said the green hills remind him a little of Ireland.

Entering Cooma we passed a Fruit/Veg shop and Richard said, "I would go in the fruit/veg shop and get yo a tomatoe and then you would have a Cooma tomata. 

After arriving in Cooma we strolled down the city's High Street looking for some place to have dinner.  We finally ended up at the Grand Court Chinese Restaurant where we were served green tea from the most adorable teapot and the food servings, my goodness, my order could have fed all four of us. 

Tomorrow we are off to Picton for the night then it's time to take Mom and Dad to the airport. :'( 
Having a wonderful time and wish it wouldn't end.