Yes, this is going to be deep.
At about 8.30 this morning two young tall lads knocked on my door.
Here at last were the long awaited installers....ready to go!
Two days before Christmas! It sure was cutting it fine.
The aircon units were delivered before we headed down to Broken Head and have been sitting in one of our bedrooms for a week or more.
The 2 young Adonises got to work and 4 hours later and despite a short thunder storm that held things up for about 20 minutes, the AIR CON has been installed in all it's glory!
YAY!! Cool air at last.
Thinking of it...my mum and dad were rather futuristic for their time and had aircon installed in the late 1970's.
I always thought it a bit silly because I didn't think it was all that hot in Brisbane...but when your'e young things like heat are easier to bear. As age creeps up I figure we need to do everything in our power to help make the journey a little easier.
The house is lovely and cool. The 8 KW monster hangs on the back wall in our living area and is strong enough to send cool air through our entire house. Obviously we don't have a large house, but it has already cooled down every room so well that I've already turned it off.! :-)
The rain storm cooled things down a bit.
Anyway guys, I'm totally chuffed, happy, delighted and looking forward to being able to wear my hair down.
Well, at least inside the house.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Our journey to Broken Head
Blue ocean. Yellow sand. Grey rock. Green trees. White and grey seagulls.
Broken Head!
A short road leads past houses hidden behind trees and bushes to a small caravan park nestled into a bluff. The park rises up from the beach in a gentle slope. Caravans, tents, camper trailers and camper vans surround the central ablutions building. Sounds crass, but it's actually quite a pleasant looking structure of white rendered walls and a high pitched roof. Circular windows are set high up in each end wall giving it a kind of Mediterranean feel.
Being in the centre of the park gives everyone the same distance to walk...which helps in the middle of the night when you just 'gotta go!'.. :-)
Our adventure begins about a month ago when we buy a used Hi ace Toyota camper van. It's a big deal for us, because we are contemplating making a trip around Australia next year. This is the beginning of that idea.
We organise pots, crockery, cutlery, food, etc.
Sheets for the bed, a light cotton blanket, pillows etc.
I buy medium sized seethrough plastic containers for our clothes, which turns out to work well.
Camera, books, torch, thermos, matches plus a myriad other bits and pieces we need.
We head off on Monday 14th December, but we take ages to get ready. Then when we finally are, our first port of call is the local BCF store just up the road.
We need chairs. Ross has seen some 'you beaut' chairs that cost the earth, have adjustable backs and are extra comfy. We debate for less cost, easier to set up etc, but we go with the luxe model. After loading our buys into the van we drive to a friend's place a few suburbs away, who knows lots about things like: how to switch the gas on, how the lights work, what the battery does, how to work the tap and how to fix up the annexe and shade fly. None of which we know how to do at this stage! Unbelievable, but true!
By the time we leave his place it's after 5 pm and peak hour!
Not to worry, we head off any way, after having rung the Caravan Park at Broken Head, making sure they leave information in their "Late arrivals' box, outside the office.
We arrive after 10pm ESDT. All is dark, but the map they've provided is well marked and we find site #4 easily. All to do now is to drive onto the cement slap (making our vehicle instantly level! hooray!) and plug in the power lead. Hey presto we have light! Our bed is already made and after a quick visit to the building with the round windows, we crash out for the night.
Next day, we walk the 30 metres to the beach and enjoy the beautiful clear water as we dive in and out of the waves. Just gorgeous!
We drive to Brunswick Heads a place that holds fond memories for Ross, via a 'shortcut' because we don't want to drive through busy Byron Bay. Not a good idea as we spend quite some time waiting at STOP signs because of road works on the hilly, windy road! however...we arrive at Brunswick heads where we used to visit a Christian community in the late 70's. We hadn't been back there for ever...so it was good to walk the stunning white sand beach and rummage around the shops.
I see an item in a shop window that would make a great present for Christmas but the shop is closed - Every Tuesday. We must come back later in the week.
Then we drive to Byron Bay up to Cape Byron to look at the lighthouse and enjoy the amazing views. There's a man asking us if we want to park and 'that will be $7 thank you'! It's going to the upkeep of the grounds and beautiful old buildings...so yeah, we pay the seven bucks. We walk up the hill to the lighthouse, then down, down, down the steps that lead to several more easterly lookouts. There's another point way further down which I would love to go down to, but I don't think I'd get back up the steep hill again. As it is, I take several opportunities to 'enjoy the view', so I can get my breath back and continue my climb back up the steep steps to the lighthouse. It's incredibly hot and very little breeze is blowing at all. Unusual for a spot so high up above the Pacific ocean I think.
We do a bit more sightseeing and before we know it, it's after 5 pm and time to head home - well, to the caravan park. We cook dinner on the small gas stove and enjoy the meal outside the van under the stars . It's milder now being right next to the ocean. So nice to get reprieve from the high temperatures that Brisbane has been enduring lately.
Our bed has turned out to be quite wide enough for us, but not quite long enough. Ross' legs stretch out about 30cm past the end of the bed. He curls up and is actually quite comfortable. He doens'nt complain at all about it. I find the whole idea a bit claustrophobic at first, but settle down when we leave the back door of the van slightly ajar during the night. It allows a lovely breeze to come in and I don't feel so hemmed in.
Wednesday we drive off to Lennox Head. Choof up to the head where believe it or not there is no official look out. We walk up the slope of a vacant block and are rewarded with a gorgeous view past Broken Head to the north, right up to Cape Byron, the most easterly point of the mainland. Back in the car, we head back down to the Esplanade, following it to the northerly end where we discover lovely little Lake Ainsworth right by the sea. We park our van next to the lovely grove of trees that grows right along the eastern length of the small lake. It's nice and shady. We pull our chairs out of the van and enjoy a coffee and some bikkies in the dappled light of the grove. The water gently laps at the roots of the trees. Kids swing on a rope tied high up in nearby giant trees. It's so nice to see them having fun...reminds me of youth camps near the Pine River in my teen years.
Nearby some painters (tradies), have finished work early and enjoy a beer with their lunch. They have several dogs who run in and out of the water and race through the trees. Max is a boxer and has been away a bit too long for his master's liking. A few sharp whistles and Max come bounding back. I'm so enjoying this.
People are swimming in the lake...so I end up having 3 or 4 swims. The water is dark brown. Stained by the surrounding tea trees, but completely transparent when you scoop it up in your hands. The top 1 metre layer is very warm but very cool deeper down. As I swim out further into the lake, the water is beautifully cool. I really enjoy my swims throughout the day. In between swims the rest of the time is taken up by lazing in our 'you beaut' chairs, having lunch, chatting, reading, having coffee, reading, chatting, snoozing and even a quick swim in the ocean on the other side of the little road that separates it from the lake.
We head back to the park feeling happy and ready for the night.
We have dinner outside again and decide that tomorrow we will stay put, and we do.
Thursday we read, swim in the ocean, talk to other campers about all things camping and travelling. We meet a nice couple from Brisbane on one side who are trying out their new off road camper trailer - top model, and a Swiss couples, who've been travelling around Australia for the past 6 months. It wil be their first ever Christmas away from home, so we invite them over for Christmas day. They may or may not come, but the opportunity is there if they want to come.
We'll give them a call.
Friday we decide to stay another night.Ross is told that there's just one night left for us on site #4...after that the park will be full with Christmas/January campers.
We put on our joggers and walk the cliff path that rises and falls over the bluff which is Broken head. It's unfortunately not a very long track, only about a kilometre and a half, and ends with a very steep descent of steps to a beautiful, secluded beach. We decide not to attempt the descent...the climb back up will be too difficult. We head back and end up spending some time sitting on an outcrop overlooking a series of coves with white sand beaches. The waves hit the rocks below us and explode in a massive cloud of spray in front of us, time after time. It's hot by the time we get back. A swim in the gorgeous turqoise waves is a must. The water has really chilled down since yesterday and we suck in our breath as we dive in. Once in it's still very cool, but extremely refreshing. I just adore the water, the sky, the sand, the surroundings. Wow! How amazing is creation.
We head back to our little 'home' on wheels - our van for some brunch. We put our chairs under a shady tree in the little park right next to our van. We read some more, sleep some more and I cook dinner, wash up and Ross suggest we go out to hear some music, have a coffee. Byron is too busy and grubby for my liking so we find a local hotel where they serve coffee and dessert. No music, but it's nice to spend some time out.
Because each time we go out we have to make sure everything is in the van and packed in such a way that nothing rattles or shakes, it's very easy the next morning to get underway. After an easy cereal breakfast, we fill the thermos, make sure everything is secure and we head back home.
We take all day, stoppint at Brunswick Heads to buy the gift that I saw in the window. I end up buying a dress, a top and a cool strapless dress and a purple hat. The owner of the shop is hilarious, a reall eccentric who vow that purple looks amazing on me, I laugh my head off the whole hour or so I'm in the shop! What a fun time. I walk out of the shop, see a whole bunch of people having coffee on the pavement and see a woman who looks remarkably like one of my sisters. It turns out that it is she!! I end up having a chat to her and her friends.
Ross has been walking his favourite beach and spent time sitting by the Brunswick River while I've been shopping.
We head off again driving up through Pottsville, and stopping at Kingscliffe overlooking the estuary for lunch. It's turned dull and windy. We have a snooze in the van before heading home.
What a lovely few day it's been. We arrive home around 5 ish in the afternoon, having gained an hour since leaving New South Wales. We unpack the fridge and I put on a load of washing.
It's good to be home again too.
Broken Head!
A short road leads past houses hidden behind trees and bushes to a small caravan park nestled into a bluff. The park rises up from the beach in a gentle slope. Caravans, tents, camper trailers and camper vans surround the central ablutions building. Sounds crass, but it's actually quite a pleasant looking structure of white rendered walls and a high pitched roof. Circular windows are set high up in each end wall giving it a kind of Mediterranean feel.
Being in the centre of the park gives everyone the same distance to walk...which helps in the middle of the night when you just 'gotta go!'.. :-)
Our adventure begins about a month ago when we buy a used Hi ace Toyota camper van. It's a big deal for us, because we are contemplating making a trip around Australia next year. This is the beginning of that idea.
We organise pots, crockery, cutlery, food, etc.
Sheets for the bed, a light cotton blanket, pillows etc.
I buy medium sized seethrough plastic containers for our clothes, which turns out to work well.
Camera, books, torch, thermos, matches plus a myriad other bits and pieces we need.
We head off on Monday 14th December, but we take ages to get ready. Then when we finally are, our first port of call is the local BCF store just up the road.
We need chairs. Ross has seen some 'you beaut' chairs that cost the earth, have adjustable backs and are extra comfy. We debate for less cost, easier to set up etc, but we go with the luxe model. After loading our buys into the van we drive to a friend's place a few suburbs away, who knows lots about things like: how to switch the gas on, how the lights work, what the battery does, how to work the tap and how to fix up the annexe and shade fly. None of which we know how to do at this stage! Unbelievable, but true!
By the time we leave his place it's after 5 pm and peak hour!
Not to worry, we head off any way, after having rung the Caravan Park at Broken Head, making sure they leave information in their "Late arrivals' box, outside the office.
We arrive after 10pm ESDT. All is dark, but the map they've provided is well marked and we find site #4 easily. All to do now is to drive onto the cement slap (making our vehicle instantly level! hooray!) and plug in the power lead. Hey presto we have light! Our bed is already made and after a quick visit to the building with the round windows, we crash out for the night.
Next day, we walk the 30 metres to the beach and enjoy the beautiful clear water as we dive in and out of the waves. Just gorgeous!
We drive to Brunswick Heads a place that holds fond memories for Ross, via a 'shortcut' because we don't want to drive through busy Byron Bay. Not a good idea as we spend quite some time waiting at STOP signs because of road works on the hilly, windy road! however...we arrive at Brunswick heads where we used to visit a Christian community in the late 70's. We hadn't been back there for ever...so it was good to walk the stunning white sand beach and rummage around the shops.
I see an item in a shop window that would make a great present for Christmas but the shop is closed - Every Tuesday. We must come back later in the week.
Then we drive to Byron Bay up to Cape Byron to look at the lighthouse and enjoy the amazing views. There's a man asking us if we want to park and 'that will be $7 thank you'! It's going to the upkeep of the grounds and beautiful old buildings...so yeah, we pay the seven bucks. We walk up the hill to the lighthouse, then down, down, down the steps that lead to several more easterly lookouts. There's another point way further down which I would love to go down to, but I don't think I'd get back up the steep hill again. As it is, I take several opportunities to 'enjoy the view', so I can get my breath back and continue my climb back up the steep steps to the lighthouse. It's incredibly hot and very little breeze is blowing at all. Unusual for a spot so high up above the Pacific ocean I think.
We do a bit more sightseeing and before we know it, it's after 5 pm and time to head home - well, to the caravan park. We cook dinner on the small gas stove and enjoy the meal outside the van under the stars . It's milder now being right next to the ocean. So nice to get reprieve from the high temperatures that Brisbane has been enduring lately.
Our bed has turned out to be quite wide enough for us, but not quite long enough. Ross' legs stretch out about 30cm past the end of the bed. He curls up and is actually quite comfortable. He doens'nt complain at all about it. I find the whole idea a bit claustrophobic at first, but settle down when we leave the back door of the van slightly ajar during the night. It allows a lovely breeze to come in and I don't feel so hemmed in.
Wednesday we drive off to Lennox Head. Choof up to the head where believe it or not there is no official look out. We walk up the slope of a vacant block and are rewarded with a gorgeous view past Broken Head to the north, right up to Cape Byron, the most easterly point of the mainland. Back in the car, we head back down to the Esplanade, following it to the northerly end where we discover lovely little Lake Ainsworth right by the sea. We park our van next to the lovely grove of trees that grows right along the eastern length of the small lake. It's nice and shady. We pull our chairs out of the van and enjoy a coffee and some bikkies in the dappled light of the grove. The water gently laps at the roots of the trees. Kids swing on a rope tied high up in nearby giant trees. It's so nice to see them having fun...reminds me of youth camps near the Pine River in my teen years.
Nearby some painters (tradies), have finished work early and enjoy a beer with their lunch. They have several dogs who run in and out of the water and race through the trees. Max is a boxer and has been away a bit too long for his master's liking. A few sharp whistles and Max come bounding back. I'm so enjoying this.
People are swimming in the lake...so I end up having 3 or 4 swims. The water is dark brown. Stained by the surrounding tea trees, but completely transparent when you scoop it up in your hands. The top 1 metre layer is very warm but very cool deeper down. As I swim out further into the lake, the water is beautifully cool. I really enjoy my swims throughout the day. In between swims the rest of the time is taken up by lazing in our 'you beaut' chairs, having lunch, chatting, reading, having coffee, reading, chatting, snoozing and even a quick swim in the ocean on the other side of the little road that separates it from the lake.
We head back to the park feeling happy and ready for the night.
We have dinner outside again and decide that tomorrow we will stay put, and we do.
Thursday we read, swim in the ocean, talk to other campers about all things camping and travelling. We meet a nice couple from Brisbane on one side who are trying out their new off road camper trailer - top model, and a Swiss couples, who've been travelling around Australia for the past 6 months. It wil be their first ever Christmas away from home, so we invite them over for Christmas day. They may or may not come, but the opportunity is there if they want to come.
We'll give them a call.
Friday we decide to stay another night.Ross is told that there's just one night left for us on site #4...after that the park will be full with Christmas/January campers.
We put on our joggers and walk the cliff path that rises and falls over the bluff which is Broken head. It's unfortunately not a very long track, only about a kilometre and a half, and ends with a very steep descent of steps to a beautiful, secluded beach. We decide not to attempt the descent...the climb back up will be too difficult. We head back and end up spending some time sitting on an outcrop overlooking a series of coves with white sand beaches. The waves hit the rocks below us and explode in a massive cloud of spray in front of us, time after time. It's hot by the time we get back. A swim in the gorgeous turqoise waves is a must. The water has really chilled down since yesterday and we suck in our breath as we dive in. Once in it's still very cool, but extremely refreshing. I just adore the water, the sky, the sand, the surroundings. Wow! How amazing is creation.
We head back to our little 'home' on wheels - our van for some brunch. We put our chairs under a shady tree in the little park right next to our van. We read some more, sleep some more and I cook dinner, wash up and Ross suggest we go out to hear some music, have a coffee. Byron is too busy and grubby for my liking so we find a local hotel where they serve coffee and dessert. No music, but it's nice to spend some time out.
Because each time we go out we have to make sure everything is in the van and packed in such a way that nothing rattles or shakes, it's very easy the next morning to get underway. After an easy cereal breakfast, we fill the thermos, make sure everything is secure and we head back home.
We take all day, stoppint at Brunswick Heads to buy the gift that I saw in the window. I end up buying a dress, a top and a cool strapless dress and a purple hat. The owner of the shop is hilarious, a reall eccentric who vow that purple looks amazing on me, I laugh my head off the whole hour or so I'm in the shop! What a fun time. I walk out of the shop, see a whole bunch of people having coffee on the pavement and see a woman who looks remarkably like one of my sisters. It turns out that it is she!! I end up having a chat to her and her friends.
Ross has been walking his favourite beach and spent time sitting by the Brunswick River while I've been shopping.
We head off again driving up through Pottsville, and stopping at Kingscliffe overlooking the estuary for lunch. It's turned dull and windy. We have a snooze in the van before heading home.
What a lovely few day it's been. We arrive home around 5 ish in the afternoon, having gained an hour since leaving New South Wales. We unpack the fridge and I put on a load of washing.
It's good to be home again too.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Christmas is coming soon
Yesterday I shopped for baubles for our tree. It was time to change the colour scheme, after having silver and mauve to purple for about 6 years!
After church I drove around to the nearest Crazy Clarks ($3.00 shop) and with basket in hand set about to choose from a vast array of colours. I decided to go with deep reds and gold. An angel to top of the tree, some gilded candles: tall, round and short, and some pillar shaped ones, completed the shopping.
So today, I dragged the boxed, folded up tree out of the shed, and proceeded to set it up. Artificial pine needles soon spread over the floor (must vacuum tomorrow), boxes and baubles everywhere - but now it's done. A bit early I think, with still a month to go, but it's done and so now there's one less thing to worry about.
This year our family is coming over to celebrate Christmas on the Christmas Eve. In-laws need to be visited on the day, so this works out reasonably for us. We will start early with a reasonably simple meal, then head off to church for a 7 o'clock service. Afterwards the fun will begin with Santa giving out the gifts. Hopefully the grandies will have had a sleep on the way from the Coast.
I'm looking forward to it...especially now that we are planning on having aircon installed by then.
Yay! It's been so hot and humid, it will make it so much more pleasant.
Well, must be off to bed now.
I need to catch up on some sleep. Tomorrow I hope to try to catch up with what our year was about in 2009. I've been slack.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Catching up on our news...
It's again been well over six months (make that 9?) since I last posted here.
So many things have happened.
So I had better get writing...
24th August 2008 - Steph and Jason's wedding was absolutely stunning (click on my Face Book link and check out some photos) It was held at beautiful historic homestead Glengariff on Mt Mee Road, Dayboro.
The owners could not have done any more. It was fabulous. The whole venue is set on the side of a hill overlooking the gorgeous Mt Glorious mountain and ranges to the west. The sky at sunset was just a mass of oranges, pinks and blues. The dining tables were set to perfection with white tablecloths, white napkins and gleaming silverware.
The bride and groom both looked gorgeous and smiled continually throughout the day. It was such a very happy occasion; the food was stunning; the company congenial and the dancing and speeches lots of fun.
A gorgeous day to remember forever!
Then...
Anita connected with someone on Face Book!
She had 'gone out' with Craig when he was 17 and she was 14 - they both were at the same school. After 17 years they met up again and it was love at first sight. Within 3 weeks they were engaged and set a wedding date! It was a huge surprise and one we were not quite ready for so soon after Stephanie's wedding!
We are very excited for her and Craig and their wedding is set for April 4th this year! So after 11 years of no weddings there are 2 very quickly one after the other!
Congratulations to them both!
Then...
Our entire immediate family of 10 flew over to WA for a Holmes family re-union at Christmas!
Even the 2 sons-in-law came and of course our 2 gorgeous grandies, Jesse and Shontelle.
Ross's sister Raelene and hubby Julian amazingly offered us all their home while they moved out into their caravan! "For peace and quiet" they said :-).
They fed us, entertained us, lent us their cars, their house and were amazing hosts.
Christmas day dawned and we had our own little gift giving time, which was lots of fun. We'd been to church the night before, so Christmas day was all ours to enjoy. Bit by bit the WA rellies arrived who were welcomed with hugs and lots of happy banter. Lots of food was busily being prepared in the kitchen with everyone helping. The tables looked festive and had been set up the night before. Lunch was yummy and there was lots of catching up to do with family we hadn't seen in over 10 years. After lunch with 26 people there, we had opportunity to pick out a Santa's gift each. This was hilarious because, if you didn't like the gift you received you could then swap for something else you liked better. So the last person had the most gifts to choose from! It was so much fun, with even Nanna joining in the fun of swapping.
A really nice day and it was especially wonderful to see Nanna who is 93 and still so alert and sprightly. She is inspirational to say the least.
Boxing day was relaxing around the pool and watching cricket on telly for the men. Saturday we were all up early and the 10 of us headed for Fremantle where we caught the boat to Rottnest island. A fabulous day was spent either busing (Ross and I) or bike riding around the island. Stunningly beautiful bays filled with the most luxurious yachts were all around the island. Gorgeous white sand and gentle cliffs framed the brilliant blue waters of the bays. We stopped off on one of them where we met Anita and Tonia, who were hot from riding for miles and shared a packed lunch with them. They even got into the very cold water ...just for a moment.
Back on the boat home at aroun 4.30pm. We slept well that night...that's a fact.
Off to Mandurah for tea, then Bunbury to stay with Ross's brother Winston and wife Kay. Spent 2 -3 days there. Again wonderful hospitality. Spent a day going down to The 'Holy mile" and some beaches where we swam in the cool water even though the days were HOT! Ate Icecream at a popular ice creamery along the way in the middle of nowhere and I even met up with a fellow consultant at her campsite.
Another very enjoyable day.
On NYE we were off back to Perth again, to see Nanna for the last time. Then out to Sawyer's Valley to Ross's sister Christine and her partner Peter's new property. Just a stunningly beautiful old restored home with pressed tin ceilings and walls, wonderfully furnished with antiques, chandeliers and early Australiana. A huge place with the obligatory farm shed, 2 dogs and a dam. Here we all met up again (the 10 of us) to celebrate the coming of 2009. Again, hospitality to die for, food, food and more food. A pool to cool off in and a verandah to sit and enjoy a meal in the cool of the evening with the whole family and rellies.
NYE was fun and again time to catch up with relatives.
After a few days there it was time to fly away home. Steph, Jason, Ross and I went back to Brissy and Anita flew to Sydney to catch up with friends and have a hen's night there.
Charein, Daniel and kids, and Tonia headed off to their cousin's farm near Albany. They spent another 2 weeks in WA.
What an unforgetttable time we had in WA.
Thanks to Chris and Peter, Raelene and Julian, Winston and Kay! You are all completely wonderful!
We are all back into work and our usual activities.
Well must to bed.
Love to all.
Tricia
So many things have happened.
- Stephanie and Jason's wedding
- Anita and Craig's engagement
- Our amazing trip to Perth WA
- Christmas
- New Year
So I had better get writing...
24th August 2008 - Steph and Jason's wedding was absolutely stunning (click on my Face Book link and check out some photos) It was held at beautiful historic homestead Glengariff on Mt Mee Road, Dayboro.
The owners could not have done any more. It was fabulous. The whole venue is set on the side of a hill overlooking the gorgeous Mt Glorious mountain and ranges to the west. The sky at sunset was just a mass of oranges, pinks and blues. The dining tables were set to perfection with white tablecloths, white napkins and gleaming silverware.
The bride and groom both looked gorgeous and smiled continually throughout the day. It was such a very happy occasion; the food was stunning; the company congenial and the dancing and speeches lots of fun.
A gorgeous day to remember forever!
Then...
Anita connected with someone on Face Book!
She had 'gone out' with Craig when he was 17 and she was 14 - they both were at the same school. After 17 years they met up again and it was love at first sight. Within 3 weeks they were engaged and set a wedding date! It was a huge surprise and one we were not quite ready for so soon after Stephanie's wedding!
We are very excited for her and Craig and their wedding is set for April 4th this year! So after 11 years of no weddings there are 2 very quickly one after the other!
Congratulations to them both!
Then...
Our entire immediate family of 10 flew over to WA for a Holmes family re-union at Christmas!
Even the 2 sons-in-law came and of course our 2 gorgeous grandies, Jesse and Shontelle.
Ross's sister Raelene and hubby Julian amazingly offered us all their home while they moved out into their caravan! "For peace and quiet" they said :-).
They fed us, entertained us, lent us their cars, their house and were amazing hosts.
Christmas day dawned and we had our own little gift giving time, which was lots of fun. We'd been to church the night before, so Christmas day was all ours to enjoy. Bit by bit the WA rellies arrived who were welcomed with hugs and lots of happy banter. Lots of food was busily being prepared in the kitchen with everyone helping. The tables looked festive and had been set up the night before. Lunch was yummy and there was lots of catching up to do with family we hadn't seen in over 10 years. After lunch with 26 people there, we had opportunity to pick out a Santa's gift each. This was hilarious because, if you didn't like the gift you received you could then swap for something else you liked better. So the last person had the most gifts to choose from! It was so much fun, with even Nanna joining in the fun of swapping.
A really nice day and it was especially wonderful to see Nanna who is 93 and still so alert and sprightly. She is inspirational to say the least.
Boxing day was relaxing around the pool and watching cricket on telly for the men. Saturday we were all up early and the 10 of us headed for Fremantle where we caught the boat to Rottnest island. A fabulous day was spent either busing (Ross and I) or bike riding around the island. Stunningly beautiful bays filled with the most luxurious yachts were all around the island. Gorgeous white sand and gentle cliffs framed the brilliant blue waters of the bays. We stopped off on one of them where we met Anita and Tonia, who were hot from riding for miles and shared a packed lunch with them. They even got into the very cold water ...just for a moment.
Back on the boat home at aroun 4.30pm. We slept well that night...that's a fact.
Off to Mandurah for tea, then Bunbury to stay with Ross's brother Winston and wife Kay. Spent 2 -3 days there. Again wonderful hospitality. Spent a day going down to The 'Holy mile" and some beaches where we swam in the cool water even though the days were HOT! Ate Icecream at a popular ice creamery along the way in the middle of nowhere and I even met up with a fellow consultant at her campsite.
Another very enjoyable day.
On NYE we were off back to Perth again, to see Nanna for the last time. Then out to Sawyer's Valley to Ross's sister Christine and her partner Peter's new property. Just a stunningly beautiful old restored home with pressed tin ceilings and walls, wonderfully furnished with antiques, chandeliers and early Australiana. A huge place with the obligatory farm shed, 2 dogs and a dam. Here we all met up again (the 10 of us) to celebrate the coming of 2009. Again, hospitality to die for, food, food and more food. A pool to cool off in and a verandah to sit and enjoy a meal in the cool of the evening with the whole family and rellies.
NYE was fun and again time to catch up with relatives.
After a few days there it was time to fly away home. Steph, Jason, Ross and I went back to Brissy and Anita flew to Sydney to catch up with friends and have a hen's night there.
Charein, Daniel and kids, and Tonia headed off to their cousin's farm near Albany. They spent another 2 weeks in WA.
What an unforgetttable time we had in WA.
Thanks to Chris and Peter, Raelene and Julian, Winston and Kay! You are all completely wonderful!
We are all back into work and our usual activities.
Well must to bed.
Love to all.
Tricia
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Having fun blogging!
I've been having fun checking out some other blogs! I have added a little chat box, so if you want to chat with me, you can!
I won't be on here the whole time, believe me, but will get back to you asap, and if you are gone, then I can email you...
Why not start your own blog? It's fun and free!
I won't be on here the whole time, believe me, but will get back to you asap, and if you are gone, then I can email you...
Why not start your own blog? It's fun and free!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Holmes Family Update
It's been quite some months/years!!! since I last 'blogged'!
24th August is the date Jason and Steph have set for their wedding day! Yes, it's really happening...Jason popped the question on New Year's Day 2008, and since then wedding bells have been ringing in our heads. So much to organise - most of it has been done, but then there are all the smaller details that need attention.
- The engagement party was held at the Clontarf Baptist church venue and turned out to be a lovely afternoon. Everyone pitched in to help with setting up the room, decorated with balloons, flowers and colorful serviettes to match. Lots of rellies and friends turned out to celebrate the event, and wish Jase and Steph well. They received many great gifts, and thank everyone for their generosity.
Anita moved to London in March this year and is enjoying herself. She became Nanny to Jack, son of her friends Sarah and Nat (?), but now that Jack has gone to Nursery school this week, she's trying to get a few week's work before heading to Europe with Tonia, who will be arriving later this month.
The girls have finally made the move! It's taken them a while to get off their bottoms and onto a plane to fly across to the other side of the world! Good for them...!
They will come home about 10 days before the wedding....oh my! I hope I can do it without their help.
So far: - Steph's dress has arrived
- I bought my outfit last Saturday on the Sunshine Coast
- Bridesmaids dresses are bought
- Ross has his suit
- Venue is booked
- Celebrant ready to go
- Flowers booked
- Cake booked
- Photographer booked
- Cars organised
So now we 'just' need shoes, hair, makeup, DJ, accessories, something warm to throw on so we don't all die of cold on the day. Anyway, we'll get there I'm sure.
We've had a huge amount of much needed rain in the past few days, so that is fantastic. Too much in places, but Brisbane seems too often to miss out...but we certainly got some mm's to bless our dams with this time. Char and Dan and kidlets got stranded with no way in our out of their property. It usually doesn't take long for the water to recede, so they should be right by tomorrow.
Ross is busy with his little school run, ferrying physically and mentally handicapped children to the local primary and high school. It's a great part time job for him, which he compliments with his small business as a Marriage Celebrant. Check out his website here: http://www.authenticceremonies.com/ for more information. It's still a work in progress (the website) ,so keep an eye on it, as more pages will be added soon.
At the moment I am taking steps to ressurrect my INTIMO (http://www.intimo.com.au/) business...I have 2 bookings lined up this coming week and one later on in the mponth. So I'm looking forward to some good business in the next few months. The product is great, and sells well. Also lasts and lasts...so here's to the future! Do me a favour, and tell your friends... I'd be happy to come and do a presentation for them soon. They get lots of freebies too! If you know anyone who's looking to start their own business very cheaply...get them to call me on 0422 309 362...and I'll help them get started.
While on the coast I sold several Pursekets too -(check them out at http://www.womensbusiness.net.au/oscommerce ) My friend Fabe, pulled my Purseket out of my bag, when we were out to lunch over the weekend with some ladies who were attending the same Conference as I was. She announced: "Tricia sells these" much to my embarrassment...but she got a great response with one lady buying 2 and 5 girls buying one each...so now I have to order some more as I am low on stock.
I'd better bring this to a close as I need to get online to order some Business Cards at vista print for Ross. I've been procrastinating for weeks, and now the site is busy!! If you want FREE or low priced, but quality business cards, postcards etc etc follow this link: http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=640726430812
Friday, February 16, 2007
Christmas, holidays etc
Well the holidays are over. Christmas went by fast and January the same.
Christmas came a week early, because we were heading off to Sydney, we decided (on the spur of the moment) to have an early Christmas meal and gift giving so that Charein, Daniel, Jesse and Shontelle would not miss out on the festivities with their Oma and Granddad, and aunties from the Holmes side.
I worked out beautifully, food bought and cooked, table courtesy Tonia, Santa courtesy Granddad...just great.
For Christmas we (Tonia, Steph, Ross and I) headed off to Sydney to spend some time with Anita. We arrived Saturday morning before Christmas, met up with Anita at the unit she had arranged for us, had lunch, than off to her bedsit to see where she lives. A lovely little spot on Elanora Heights overlooking Narrabeen lakes.
That night we went off to CCC Oxford Falls for the Carols night, with Guy Sebastian leading the carols. He was taller (and stronger!) than I expected and a really free spirit. No garbage...just an ordinary guy (! :-) being himself. He sang 3 of his songs...Elevator love, Taller, stronger, better, and his original release Angels, as well as leading the carols. WoW a really great night! The auditorium holds 3000 and was turning folks away to 2 overflow rooms!
Back to Anita's for some food...always need that!..
Sunday we missed church...had a nice family day. Christmas...off to church for a great service. Then to Anita's for a yummy lunch and PRESSIES!! YAY!
Went for a walk around Narrabeen lake later that day...let the food settle. Haha.
That week went by quickly with lots of family time, a ferry ride from Manly to Circular Quay, the Rocks, exploring Sydney.
Thursday, Steph, Ross and I were off to Wollongong south of Sydney, to catch up with old friends at Lake Illawarra, which was very nice, while Steph caught up with Nat and Juanita Barnes, for a much needed shopping spree (yeah right :-)) . After a couple of hours, off for a walk along our favourite lake walk, a visit to our neighbours, a lovely visit with my very special friend Carolyn (and Tom), then to Chris & Veg's, and last but not least a stop at our good friends the Demols, who fed us icecream an coffee.
So leaving Tonia behind to stay longer with Anita, we headed off to Brisbane late Friday afternoon, because Ross had a wedding to perform on the Saturday. Steph back to work on the Tuesday, while I had time to settle back into everyday life.
So now it's February, and I am back into INTIMO presentations, a Life Coaching 6 week course to get me on track, and trying to drop the dreaded weight!
Birthdays: Charein turned 35!! Anita turns 30 on 3rd march, and has arranged to have a few friends to celebrate with her at Coolum Beach.
She and they are flying up for the weekend...hope the weather is great for them.
Ross and I are considering a change of location...but not sure...
The '60's ' can be a confusing state of life...direction here would be good. Any ideas?
We spent last Thursday up at Coolum and Peregian way. Caught up with our amazing friends Pam and Neil who fed us a healthy and filling lunch...always wonderful to see you guys.
Then drove up to see Jen and Glen at their $2.6m abode for a coffee and chat. I had a swim in the pool in the 'duplex' situated further up on the block. A $3.6m house with white wave water views with the pool water falling over the edge like a waterfall, fully furnished, and with wonderful paintings by Froyll Neideck on the walls...and up for sale...any takers?????????/
I wandered around the house just enjoying being a millionaire for an hour or so!
Fed the little fishes in the outdoor pond, sat on the deck, checked out the spa...(no didn't get in for a bubble bath :) Very, very nice....sigh....
That's how the other folks live people!
I will post some pics later...I have to format them first.
Check out some of the links on this page... and leave me a comment as well if you like.
Christmas came a week early, because we were heading off to Sydney, we decided (on the spur of the moment) to have an early Christmas meal and gift giving so that Charein, Daniel, Jesse and Shontelle would not miss out on the festivities with their Oma and Granddad, and aunties from the Holmes side.
I worked out beautifully, food bought and cooked, table courtesy Tonia, Santa courtesy Granddad...just great.
For Christmas we (Tonia, Steph, Ross and I) headed off to Sydney to spend some time with Anita. We arrived Saturday morning before Christmas, met up with Anita at the unit she had arranged for us, had lunch, than off to her bedsit to see where she lives. A lovely little spot on Elanora Heights overlooking Narrabeen lakes.
That night we went off to CCC Oxford Falls for the Carols night, with Guy Sebastian leading the carols. He was taller (and stronger!) than I expected and a really free spirit. No garbage...just an ordinary guy (! :-) being himself. He sang 3 of his songs...Elevator love, Taller, stronger, better, and his original release Angels, as well as leading the carols. WoW a really great night! The auditorium holds 3000 and was turning folks away to 2 overflow rooms!
Back to Anita's for some food...always need that!..
Sunday we missed church...had a nice family day. Christmas...off to church for a great service. Then to Anita's for a yummy lunch and PRESSIES!! YAY!
Went for a walk around Narrabeen lake later that day...let the food settle. Haha.
That week went by quickly with lots of family time, a ferry ride from Manly to Circular Quay, the Rocks, exploring Sydney.
Thursday, Steph, Ross and I were off to Wollongong south of Sydney, to catch up with old friends at Lake Illawarra, which was very nice, while Steph caught up with Nat and Juanita Barnes, for a much needed shopping spree (yeah right :-)) . After a couple of hours, off for a walk along our favourite lake walk, a visit to our neighbours, a lovely visit with my very special friend Carolyn (and Tom), then to Chris & Veg's, and last but not least a stop at our good friends the Demols, who fed us icecream an coffee.
So leaving Tonia behind to stay longer with Anita, we headed off to Brisbane late Friday afternoon, because Ross had a wedding to perform on the Saturday. Steph back to work on the Tuesday, while I had time to settle back into everyday life.
So now it's February, and I am back into INTIMO presentations, a Life Coaching 6 week course to get me on track, and trying to drop the dreaded weight!
Birthdays: Charein turned 35!! Anita turns 30 on 3rd march, and has arranged to have a few friends to celebrate with her at Coolum Beach.
She and they are flying up for the weekend...hope the weather is great for them.
Ross and I are considering a change of location...but not sure...
The '60's ' can be a confusing state of life...direction here would be good. Any ideas?
We spent last Thursday up at Coolum and Peregian way. Caught up with our amazing friends Pam and Neil who fed us a healthy and filling lunch...always wonderful to see you guys.
Then drove up to see Jen and Glen at their $2.6m abode for a coffee and chat. I had a swim in the pool in the 'duplex' situated further up on the block. A $3.6m house with white wave water views with the pool water falling over the edge like a waterfall, fully furnished, and with wonderful paintings by Froyll Neideck on the walls...and up for sale...any takers?????????/
I wandered around the house just enjoying being a millionaire for an hour or so!
Fed the little fishes in the outdoor pond, sat on the deck, checked out the spa...(no didn't get in for a bubble bath :) Very, very nice....sigh....
That's how the other folks live people!
I will post some pics later...I have to format them first.
Check out some of the links on this page... and leave me a comment as well if you like.
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