At the Food Forest

We had a great time at our local organic farm. Because the farm is "on the plains" it was a rather warm afternoon! Amazing though to still see everything green and lush.

The boys enjoyed a chance to sample some dried fruits and crack a few nuts!

 Viewing some of the more unusual plants was next on the list, including a palm that looks like a banana palm but grows potato like tubers underneath the ground that would make a good source of carbohydrates according to the owner. They have yet to be harvested!

As the farm is situated by the Gawler River, a walk to view it was organised.

The farmer commented how unusual it was to see it still flowing at this time of year. Native plants were in flower.

We spotted geese and gosslings, but this time no bettongs!

It was delightfully cool inside the straw bale constructed buildings(query: is this a cheap form of construction compared with regular forms?)

Finally the house was home to an assortment of large spiders and I couldn't resist taking this photo of wasp nests!

St Aloysius’ Church : Seven Hill

 We took a drive on Tuesday through parts of the Clare Valley. We decided to look at Seven Hill winery because it was founded by a Catholic religious order(Jesuits) in an area where Catholicism was not strong.Two Jesuit priests, Father Aloysius Kranewitter and Father Maximillian Klinkowstriom, traveled to Australia as chaplains to a group of 130 Catholics led by Franz Weikert, a Silesian farmer, whose vision was to establish a community in South Australia which could enjoy religious freedom.
I wondered how much of a struggle it was to found a Catholic community for these people who fled from religeous persecution in the country of their birth . Were they ostracized when they reached Australia, what was their reception like in rural south Australia with its strong Lutheran flavor? I think we need to dig deeper into history to discover more. Our Australian history topic  for this term perhaps?

 The building of the church started in 1864 and was completed in 1875.

 A painting presented to the Jesuits by King Ludwig of Bavaria in 1848 also resides in the church.










We also loved the stained glass art work in particular the vibrant colours used in the depiction of the Madonna.

 

The church still operates as a parish church with a vigil Mass every Saturday at 6pm. Perhaps one day we could visit to attend Mass.

We spent several quiet moments in the church....making sure as we entered to close the side door firmly to prevent birds entering...they also like to visit apparently!

The church is the only parish church in Australia to have a crypt beneath it.

Carrick Hill

"rattie's boat?"

We enjoyed our visit to Carrick House. In the front gardens we observed an exhibition of mosaics. Unfortunately we were not allowed to use cameras inside. But it was intriging to note all the art that the owners of the house  had  collected, especially the panelling which dated back over several hundred years.


 

home for a hobbit?

But I think what the boys enjoyed most was the "story book trail" behind the house and the secret places to discover in the garden.


A great homeschool excursion.

beware the troll!

"some pig"

what a web

Charlotte perhaps?

checking the time

guess whose garden!

the blue jaket gives it away!

 Not Worzell Gummidge!