22/06/2023
Munbilla Magic
As you may or may not know Munbilla is the name we gave our property not long after purchasing it in the late 1970s. From that very first day it had an aura about it that only could be described as magic, and Vine Cottage is only a small part of this magic. Over the years visitors have shared in this and upon leaving taking a little bit of magic with them. All that being said I would like to share a story of a special lady I like to call Miss Daisy (not her real name of course)
Miss Daisy was in a group of 60 on a five day, one bus tour and this was the morning of day 4. Arriving at 10 am for morning tea and a tour of our museum it was midsummer and the temperature already in the high 30s. On arrival of the bus, I went out to do the usual meet and great as always, I would stand at the door of the bus with the driver as the passengers one by one would step off I would say, good morning, hot today, how are you? the usual thing. A lovely group of elderly retirees mostly ladies with just a handful of men. Now all off the bus I said to the driver “come on let's get a cool drink” his reply came with raised eyebrows and a look of frustration “not quite” he said, “one left” Miss Daisy as he explained. Miss Daisy had refused to get off the bus at their last stop forcing the driver to remain with her, engine running and air con on. My reply was “not a problem you go freshen up and have a cuppa, I'll stay with Miss Daisy, I might even get her to come in” as he walked off, I could hear him say “best of luck”. I jumped on the bus and right down the back in the corner was Miss Daisy a little woman in her late 90s looking out the window, bottom lip over the top one looking like a 3 year old that had just had their lolly taken away. I introduced myself but she avoided eye contact her mood was obvious (NOT HAPPY JAN!) Knowing she was from the country I steered my conversation around that theme but it all seemed to be one way with answers like yes, no, maybe, hmm then a little c***k in her armour I asked her do you like scones? Oh yes! was her instant reply. I said “with fresh cream” with just a hint of a smile she turned her head and said “what else?” that was my cue I extended my arm and said come on sweetheart I have been baking since 6 am and my scones have fresh cream so high they look like Mr whippy soft serve ice creams. Within an instant she grabbed her bag and we were off the bus arms locked. Just before the gate I said would you like me to carry your bag? She asked me why? my answer was well it looks heavy and it might cause you to trip and fall, then you would do a forward roll end up flat on your back with your legs straight up in the air! she stopped in an instant that grip on my arm tightened as she replied in a very soft voice and with a hint of smile “it's been a while since that's happened sunny” we continued to the gate only two or three metres away her grip slowly tightened, I think we were going steady by then. Up the driveway there were 30 to 40 people gathered the noisy conversation stopped immediately the crowd parted and the looks of disbelief soon turned to smiles and relief with one or two slowly showing their approval with muted applause. Next it was to get miss Daisy seated on the veranda ASAP before she changed her mind or we ended up engaged. Now seated in prime position it was time to make good on my scones and cream promise always making a little extra cream I made her a plate and just as I had said cream like a soft serve ice cream. Upon seeing the mountain of cream Miss Daisy burst into laughter and soon was surrounded by friends and one or two new ones then I knew my job was done. After the morning tea stop over ended and the group all headed toward the bus, The driver thanked me as did the other 59 passengers and said that Miss Daisy had a request for me to walk her back to the bus I said of course and extended my arm one more time and Miss Daisy and I walked back towards the bus on the way I said “did you enjoy your day?” “Oh yes!” she said. I replied “thank you it's a special place.” “Oh no!” she replied “it's not special, it's MAGIC!” The bus fully loaded with all 60 passengers and the driver sounded the horn as the bus slowly drove off and in the back corner I caught a glimpse of Miss Daisy waving her small embroidered handkerchief along with all the other passengers waving and smiling as the bus drove off into the distance I'm sure I heard a verse of wheels on the bus. Walking back inside in 38 degree heat, sweat running from my brow into my eyes causing them to water just a bit (well that's my excuse anyway) in only two hours Munbilla Magic had done its job again!
Just another day in the puzzle factory - Bob.
