Back in 1997, an Australian movie that took 2 weeks to write and 11 days to film hit the screens and quickly obtained legend status. "The Castle" was the story of the Kerrigan family, who lived in a house at the end of the runway of Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport and had a "holiday home" at Bonnie Doon on a lake's edge with high tension power lines running alongside the cottage...
When the airport attempts to repossess the Kerrigans' home for a piddling amount, the family decides to fight the decision. In spite of the heroic efforts of their ill-equipped solicitor, Denis Denuto, the Kerrigans lose the case to save their "castle". However, a retired QC named Lawrence Hammill comes to their rescue and successfully argues (in the High Court) that compensation should be given as their home was so much more than just bricks and mortar; that the house was a cornucopia of love and shared memories. The Kerrigans win the case, the airport quickly backpedalled and the family continued their agreeable existence in both Melbourne and at Bonnie Doon, with Lawrence firmly added to their bosom.
"How's the serenity" was a line often uttered by Darryl at their beloved holiday home, whilst whimsically listening to the mosquitoes having their lives ended by being zapped on the verandah or careering with gay abandon across the lake in the motor boat. This comment, amongst others, has been sent "straight to the pool room" to become part of the Australian vernacular. The language of "The Castle" was truly written as an affectionate tribute to Australia and her people, which may explain why other nationalities may have been bamboozled by "The Castle's" script.
I was contemplating a title for this post for most of today. This has marked the end of our fifth full day here in Onslow. We only have two days remaining. And what have we done? We've walked on the beach, visited the pub and the resort, collected shells, visited the Tourism centre and the museum, had a massage each as well as the usual chores of clothes washing, dishes and general tidying. We haven't visited the cemetery or the Ashburton River or Old Onslow. We have made new friends from all over the country and the world. We have photographed flowers and the sea, watched dolphins and explored the rock pools at low tide. We have enjoyed any number of doggy encounters whilst we miss Stella. We have listened to the lullaby of the waves and the breezes. The daily temperatures have been warm and benign and nights cool for sleeping. How's the serenity?
This idyll will end soon enough. But I have been so grateful for the chance to be still, to embrace this temporary paradise and recharge our batteries. I have exercised for the first time since my knee replacement. Walking has brought me joy once more. Wading through the gentle waves whilst breathing in the clear air and basking in the warmth of the northwest sun defies comparison...
And I still haven't started to read my book!
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