Finding Jani

We spent Tuesday morning in Launceston, boarded a plane for Adelaide, and by 4:05 we had arrived. Adelaide is 30-minutes behind or ahead of Launceston – I have no idea – but it is very confusing to us. Thank goodness for Apple Watches. As we deplaned, I heard, “Don,” and instantly, I knew it was Jani. Some things about flying in Australia are quite different. Micky was allowed to bring her water bottle on board, and Jani was able to meet us at the gate. And how fun was that, seeing her immediately after getting off the plane. We were able to meet Brian, and we then headed for her house. What a wonderful home. We sat on the deck which overlooks the Southern Ocean, and it is surrounded by a gorgeous garden. The first thing we noticed was the beautiful hibiscus and the birds that landed in it. Large white cockatoos, colorful parrots, rosillas, and other beautiful birds were drinking the nectar of the hibiscus and singing from the trees. In Jani’s backyard grow lemons, limes, oranges, nectarines, apricots, Jonathan apples, Granny Smith apples, and walnuts, as well as a number of beautiful flowers. Just several months ago I was talking about never seeing Jonathan apples in stores any more, and then I come to Jani’s and have a chance to eat several – and they are beyond delicious!

Brian designed their house, and there are some amazing details that wouldn’t normally be incorporated in a house. For example, since they have three daughters, they have three rooms in close proximity to the bathroom, but each area is separate so that one person can be using the loo, one can be showering and one can be brushing her teeth. Brilliant. The large kitchen overlooks the ocean, and the north-facing kitchen and deck guarantee maximum solar gain in the winter.

A little bit of Kansas has found its way here, and the simple touches have created a lovely home and life for Jani, Brian, their four children, and their seven grandchildren.