Mary Poppins claim-to-fame

Laura mentioned on her blog today that she has just got a new job as a nanny.  She will be cleaning house and caring for 3 children, perhaps even accompanying the family on a holiday to Hawaii.  Sounds exotic, doesn't it?  I suggested she get herself a carpet bag.

Maybe that's because around here we all think of Mary Poppins when we think of nannies.  P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, was born here in Maryborough.  A year or so ago, a statue (life size apparently, so boy she must have been little!) was erected outside the heritage-listed building in which she lived.  Last weekend while my family were visiting we took a walk past the statue and snapped a few photos.  It was actually raining on and off; so Saraya's umbrella wasn't just there as a prop I assure you!  Mum suggested the pose.  ;)

We also took my parents to "Mary Delicious" for afternoon tea (yes, another name coined by the

 Mary in Maryborough), an old-fashioned lolly shop / ice-cream parlour / milk bar / coffee shop, complete with home-made fudge.  Of course with free fudge tastings, so we always eat too much!  It's delightful, and one of the many quirks of our little town.