At the Crystal Castle

Last time we drove through Mullumbimby, we saw signs to the Crystal Castle. It all looked a bit hippy, and we chuckled about it.

Well, now I've been there. It's gorgeous! Mum and I had a delightful visit there. There are beautiful gardens full of amazing plants, and pretty places to relax, think and contemplate.

We called these plants "Muppet Chickens".

Mum found this terrifying creature in her salad. Oh wait, it's a tiny cucumber. My curry was just excellent too.

Beautiful place to visit. If you felt you wanted to leave money on any of the statues, it was collected and sent to an orphanage they support.

They have a garden that supplies some of the food for the kitchen. And look, someone's left a pineapple on this plant.

Most important part of the visit, the wishing tree. You are invited to leave a message on the tree. Mum wrote a note to Peter, and sent it off on one of the high branches with fresh new growth.

Back to Ballina

I had another visit to Ballina. Sadly, this time it was to go to Peter's funeral. Peter was Mum's partner for many years. He fought illness off with great vigour, and finally slipped quietly away.

This is Peter. He had a long and interesting career. He was in service in a stately home in Cornwall (so, you know, he was one of the younger footmen in Downton Abbey.). He was on the staff at a posh London club. He was a salesman. He was a caterer and waiter. Here he is running a function in Brisbane.

They retired to Ballina about twenty years ago, and went up north to Cairns many times.

I went up for the funeral, and spent a few days with Mum. So the next post can be about fun things!