Sydney Beach Spot

2012-02-09T17:27:00.001+11:00

Over the past week we've been to town twice, both times to see a movie (silent movie -The Artist and the other Tinker, Tailor Soldier Spy) at the Dendy, both of which we liked. We went in early one day and visited the Mitchell Library where there was an exhibition on Antartica so on the way down to the Quay passed the statue of Trim, Flinders' cat who sits on the outside of Library near the front.

2012-02-01T16:21:00.000+11:00

We had lunch with Ed, Lisa and Darren at Thai Foon at Darling Harbour and it was lovely to catch up and try a couple of foods I hadn't eaten before.

2012-01-28T21:31:00.000+11:00

Today its a week since we dropped Katrina at the airport to see her off to London, back to work and also find a new home. Going on her Aussie passport from here and entering UK on her British one. It was a lovely month and sorry to see it time go.

2012-01-28T15:49:00.000+11:00

A roast leg of lamb with vegetables after a walk from Ramsgate thru Peter Depena Park to Dolls Point. At the park there were various activities and one was making lamingtons (that's why the blue rubber glove) and of course had to eat it - yum. The bad weather put off a lot of people and there were not the crowds of last year, even the sausage sizzle finished early. In the huge tent, various bands played Aussie songs with children dancing and waving their flags.

2012-01-24T20:23:00.001+11:00

This little egg is the first laid by one of the new chooks. Its about half the size of a normal egg but it was still perfect with three others for an omlette.

2012-01-20T10:59:00.000+11:00

My first crop of potatoes - Desiree - grown in old green shopping bag filled with half soil and half compost
worked well and they are delicious. When these are eaten I will harvest the other three types, also growing in bags. It was so easy tipping the bags over and the spuds just fell out. Graham put his in the ground and I think its not only hard work, but the spade can cut the potato. There are now hundreds of Tommy Toe and Grape toms and added to that are the cucumbers - two types burpless and Serpent. Serpent can grow over a foot long and are great tasting.

I'm over the wisdom tooth extraction and its healing well. Was lucky with no complications and no stitches and now can eat without pain.

2012-01-15T12:07:00.000+11:00

I've been to have a massage in Pitt Street a couple of times before and I find each time I enjoy it as I did the first time. After our foot massage and then head a full body, the massage continued in separate rooms for an hour. It was bliss. Have booked another time in February.

2012-01-13T15:50:00.000+11:00

Here's Katrina, sitting back with feet up and a book enjoying our Aussie weather. Have been to the movies to see The Skin I Live In and The Ladies on the Sixth Floor, both Spanish movies, one scary and the other funny. Luckily saw the scary one first but did enjoy both.

2012-01-10T14:44:00.000+11:00

It was a lovely day for a ferry ride to Cremorne Point and then past Taronga zoo to Bradleys Head for lunch.

2011-12-31T23:13:00.000+11:00

Its less than an hour away and the new year begins, so we wish you a happy and healthy 2012 .

2011-12-22T16:31:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2012 from us both

2011-12-22T16:26:00.000+11:00

This past week have spent experimenting in the kitchen . From the Diabetic Living magazine which I get bi-monthly, I made the Mango and lime cheesecake pictured above. Mine didn't actually look like that with the trimming of mango and lime on top so I thought the picture from the magazine would be better. I must say that it is delicious and have had a square of it the past two evenings. Next time I will make a smaller portion as am tempted to eat more. The other thing I made is marinated mushrooms. What a treat and really nice.

Its been quiet with all the events winding down for Christmas and all shopping completed, so now its the wait for Christmas morning for our present to arrive - Katrina at 9.30am.

2011-12-16T17:26:00.000+11:00

Lunch with the walking group at Thaifoon to celebrate the end of year. Quite a number of people have just come back from being ill so it was lovely to see them all. A few of us went over to the Lindt coffee/chocolate shop for a delicious rich coffee to top off the afternoon.

2011-12-04T15:48:00.000+11:00

We received a December count down calendar and here I am opening the 3rd. I do hope theres a photo
of all the family, even if there isnt, we love all the photos sent and I cannot wait to open tomorrows.

2011-12-04T15:41:00.003+11:00

Three of us did the pre walk on the Two Creeks Track from the Roseville Bridge to Lindfield on a beautiful day but the weather changed for the actual walk a few days later. It didn't rain but was a bit overcast. That did not spoil the walk for the 10 of us and we all enjoyed it. At one part we had to climb thru a fence due to a land slip and Kay caught me getting thru, not very lady like. This is our last official walk for the year as next Friday is our Christmas lunch at Thai Poon in Darling Harbour.

2011-11-27T17:50:00.000+11:00

On Saturday evening we went to St. George Leagues for tea and then had a flutter on the pokies. It was amazing to see the amount of money peoples were putting into the machines. We were lucky and came
away $10 richer.
Cleaned out Katrina's old room and put in a divan bed and as you can see, John was reading the paper but was so comfortable he fell asleep. He doesn't look comfy. Couple of little tables and more photos for the wall will complete it as it looks a bit bare at the moment.

2011-11-24T08:10:00.000+11:00

Don't birthdays come around quickly, but then that day too has gone and so for the next year. I had a good day at computers and then Pat came over with cake. It was a nice surprise. I have spent some time in the garden and the raspberries are just ripening, the tomatoes growing tall but the lettuce has bolted. Spring onions and garlic need to be picked soon and now waiting for the potato plants to die off so can harvest the veggie. There is lots of spinach (mainly for the chooks) growing with the serpent cucumber climbing up the lattice, the flowers just coming out.
Problem with the chooks is that one is laying eggs with only membrane and so all are eating this egg. I have given lots of grit and even put a caltrate tablet in the water but still it happens. They have to this weekend to stop or they go.

2011-11-14T10:09:00.000+11:00

We have been searching high and low for a lecturn even travelling to Newcastle, but now we are lucky to have one for our dictionary. It fits well in the kitchen corner and the book is accessible and safe.

2011-11-06T19:26:00.000+11:00

2 Books, 2 watches and cake for John, Happy Birthday.

2011-11-06T19:21:00.000+11:00

With the walking group we did the Sculpture Walk which was better than last year, I thought. There was a building near the beginning of the walk where miniture sculptures of the large ones were displayed and enjoyed seeing both sizes. This first
photo of a family of zebras was very effective.

we had just passed Waverly cemetary.

These lions were made by weaving cane, just like baskets. It was an excellent day and after morning tea at Tamarama, we continued the walk to Coogee and then a bus and train home.

2011-10-31T08:20:00.000+11:00

I know that summer is coming when the mangoes come on sale. These are lovely eating.
Two batches of kefir are fermenting, one milk the other water. The milk one tastes like liquid Greek yogurt -yum (John doesn't like it) and the water kefir is delicious after the first process, and even better when fruit ie. strawberries or mango is added in the second fermenting. Now I have enough kefir to give away or I wonder, is there another use for it?
Its been a quiet week with John doing alot of painting but he was happy to go to work today and maybe for the week. So I'm off to Mondays at Mosman in a few minutes.

2011-10-23T12:23:00.000+11:00

Our walking group went from Circular Quay, across the bridge and around many bays ending at Greenwich Point approx. 13 ks. It was a great walk and the weather couldn't be better but was weary when I got home. Some of the views along the bay shores were wonderful and I really appreciate living here and being able to do the walks.
Other than a few movies, the last couple of weeks have been quiet. The most 'exciting' was a visit to Centerlink inquiring re the pension. Will know in a few weeks time.

2011-10-09T17:15:00.000+11:00

It took 2 hours, 2 buses, 1 train and a ferry ride to get to Lovett Bay which is in Pittwater. After morning tea, we started the climb to the top of the point and you can see Ann and I with the spectular view in the background. The climb up was hard but the WORST was the leeches. I was lucky as I had on my thick bamboo socks and walking boots but they attached to anything, jumpers,trousers etc. At the top we have everyone removing shoes and rolling up trousers and even the packbacks had to be checked as one got into the actual clip . The trip back down, we made it in half the time with only a few attached to us. The ferry took us back to Church Point and then the bus to Narrabeen. At the Narrabeen lake we had coffee to recover from our adventure and then home. This is Not a walk I will do again.

2011-10-09T16:58:00.000+11:00

I decided to have a go at cooking too as everyone else is at it. My first effort was a disaster even though the biscuits looked good, they did not taste good. The above is a shot of a gluten-free slice and almonds,date and seed friands. In the slice i used whole sunflower, almond and other mixed seeds but it should have been LSA mix (ground) but it still tasted excellent. The friands were delicious but they has icing-sugur mixture and it made them sweet. John loved them but too sweet for me. I'll try omitting the icing sugar next time.

2011-09-25T17:40:00.000+10:00

This photo of John is Friday a week ago but the game with Collingwood did not go well this week. 3 points down and a very sad John. Oh well, now its next year.
In actual fact, all the week did not go well. The laundry flooded and then the hot tap would not turn off and its plugged until a plumber can get here.
Our plan on Tuesday was a movie at the Dendy and then the talk at SMSA but some how the times did not work, so we missed both a went for a ferry ride to Manly for a short walk with coffee and cake just before returning.
My walk from Dundas to Carlingford along the creeks beds was monotonous and it was hot - 30. I was so glad to catch the trains (3) home. Then I did not have the energy to go to the reunion at Rockdale RSL for Regina.
At shopping I bought gluten free - breakfast cereals and nutty peanut butter.

2011-09-18T17:23:00.000+10:00

The last photo of John tells the story of how we felt about this walk from Maroubra to La Perouse. It began well and the walk over the sands at Maroubra was lovely as the day was perfect for walking. We did not read all the sign at the end of the path and continued walking. The track was not well defined but we plodded on. The views from cliffs were great and then we saw a horse riding school go past on a higher path. We travelled about 3/4 of the way and then there was a high metal fence which at first glance we could not get across. We tried other ways but back to the fence. After edging till the end of the cliff, got around and saw another sign. Walk 33/34 is no longer available as its Commonweath land and its a firing range.
We walked around two golf courses, having to stop when players were about to play, but it was a nice day so we continued but only for a short while as our bodies were tired and found a bus to take us home. John said he's not being leader any more.

2011-09-18T17:05:00.000+10:00

We decided to travel by train to Newcastle, spend the day then return by train. John read that there were some antique shops south of Newcastle so we hopped off at Hamilton. The shops were small and only two had furniture but no lecturn. We walked 4 ks into town and found another very large warehouse filled with many antique dealers, but again ,no lecturn. After lunch, we walked a bit more and then it was time to return. Three hours each way seems long but I had the iPod from the library and was happy listening to a book. The search for the lecturn continues. I think we will end up with a good solid music stand for our dictionary.

2011-09-18T16:54:00.000+10:00

What a lovely fathers day gift of a beautiful photo album of family throughout 2010. Thank for all the effort that went into making sucha great gift.

2011-09-13T09:27:00.000+10:00

Last week Darren, Lisa and her friend came to visit for a few hours and we caught up on their news of what
is happening in their lives.
As John is off work we went into the SMSA lecture and that day, Ann Howard who is a 30 year resident of Dangar Island, gave a bit of the island's history. Its in the Hawkesbury just off Brooklyn. In November she is giving day tours and we think we might go. After the talk we went to see the Irish movie 'The Guard' and it was good but every second word was swearing which, I think. wasn't necessary.
Computers as usual on Wednesday but went to the library afterwards and was the first to borrow an iPod for audio books. The library have an array of audio books which can be downloaded on your own computer, iPad or iPod but the one I have borrowed, cannot have extra books or music added as its already got a dozen books on it. I'm practicing with this iPod before I buy my own. Next I will borrow the Kindle just to have a go but I think a book in my hands is still better.
Friday I led 8 'mad' walkers from Woolwich to Huntleys Point in the rain/drizzle. No camera as the weather was not kind and I already took shots the previous prewalk.

2011-09-04T20:31:00.000+10:00

You can see John wearing his new Stetson and cowboy shirt plus boots. He really likes the roses embroidered on the back. Hawthorn won and here John is, off to the wine shop in his jumper to see Rodney who is a Swans supporter.
Being Father's Day, John loved getting two Skype calls from his daughters and also seeing the grandchildren. Thanks for making is day.

2011-09-04T20:21:00.000+10:00

It was Katrina's birthday on Friday and was lucky enough to talk to her on the day. Happy Birthday.

Also on Friday I went on the prewalk with 4 others from Woolwich to Huntleys Point. As you can see it was a great day and we walked just over 8 ks.

2011-09-04T20:17:00.000+10:00

Had a very hard time at scrabble last week as I only won one game out of six. The head librarian came over to the computer club meeting with ipods and kindles. The library is now lending these items plus the music, books etc which go on them. If you have your own ipods and kindle, you can download items from the library and after a certain time they disappear. I'm going next week to week if I can borrow an ipod before I purchase one.

2011-08-28T20:25:00.000+10:00

In Hyde Park

Each of the past three weeks have been similar in activities ie Scrabble,computers etc.
The baby birds are out flying with their parents but whenever I get near they seem to be disturbed so I have'nt taken any photos of them yet.
John and I went to Parliment House to view a photographic exhibition and to get there we walked thru Hyde Park and then onto the Mitchell Library which had a display of Shop and Shopping. We topped the day by having Chinese meal in Haymarket.
Theres an Aussie movie out called Red Dog and we thought it very good. I had heard these stories about Red Dog on audio tapes and the film did deviate a bit but it still is good viewing.
Fridays walk with U3A from Macquarie Park to Thornleigh was hard with lots of ups and down steps and one of the new members just made it to the end of the trail. Luckily a police van (with dog) was there and the guy kindly dropped two at the station as I dont think she would have made it any further.

2011-08-07T16:23:00.000+10:00

Mamma and papa bird have been very busy feeding three chicks and here is one curious one looking up when I opened the top of the nesting box. Today the baby birds are just over a month and it will only a couple more days before they will venture out of the box to the outside world.
It was a great week weather wise so we were able to spend some time in the garden. Here is the hard worker preparing to plant a new shrub in the white pot. We've planted 6 types of potatoes and divided the rhubarb, keeping two plants and will take the rest to the gardening afternoon to share.
Four out of six games at scrabble this week, so either I'm improving or they were not concentrating.

2011-08-07T16:12:00.000+10:00

Four of us did the prewalk from Spit Bridge to Manly. The last time John and I did the walk, we got a bit lost but we found where we went wrong so there will be no worries next week. It was a great day and the weather couldn't be better.

2011-07-31T20:18:00.000+10:00

After two indoor days either paying scrabble or computers, it was nice to have a day walking with the group. One of our walkers is a volunteer for the Botanical Gardens and she kindly took 17 of us for a tour. We had lunch with the view shown above, one of the most photographed scenes of Sydney but what a view it is. In the vegie garden I got close to the scarecrow and further up the paths got friendly with one on the two lions at the Lion Gate. It was a great day.
At Norma's yesterday, we celebrated Margaret's birthday with a lunch and lots of cups of tea and coffee. The cake was delicious.

2011-07-26T15:44:00.001+10:00

With all the rain last week it was time spent indoors. I finished the above 'Impossible' puzzle and enjoyed doing it. There was a day of scrabble and another day of computers and the rest of the time was lazily spent with one thing an another. John and I did go to the movies and saw Beautiful Lies which was excellent , not like The Tree of Life which John could have happily left after 10 mins.

2011-07-17T15:11:00.000+10:00

Two walks this week, one with John and then with the U3A group. John and I walked from Waverton Station to Greenwich Wharf which the guide book said was 7 k but with the hills it felt lots more. Fridays

walk which I led from Manly wharf to almost North Head ended as the rain began to pelt down just after we had lunch and it would have been to dangerous to walk some of the tracks down to the Head. It will be another time.

2011-07-11T21:25:00.000+10:00

As I am leading the next walk, I had to do a prewalk to find where we will eat, toilets and making sure that the walk is within the set limits. Four of us went on a beautiful but cold day from Manly right around North Head and back to the wharf. Great day and am prepared for Friday.

2011-07-07T17:13:00.000+10:00

Mum and dad love bird

Three babies

Mum sitting on babies

There were 6 eggs and last week one was tossed out of the nest. On the 6th, there were three baby chicks and the other two eggs still in the nest. It will be interesting to see what colours the babies will be.

2011-07-03T17:10:00.000+10:00

Again I got off the train at Sutherland and walked to the car park at the sports centre. From there we pooled cars for the walk at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens. A great day covering about 8 kms through rough and smooth terrain. I fell when we were going down a very damp gully and lucky for me I had my backpak on which cushioned the full. No damage just a damp rear.
I haven't played scrabble for over 13 years and decided to attend the old venue at Oatley RSL. You wouldn't believe it but half the people there were from my time. Anyway we played 6 games with a break for lunch half way and I did enjoy the games even though I only won 2 out of 6. I'll go back on Tuesday.

2011-06-26T12:12:00.000+10:00

Guess who is a happy chappy that Hawthorn won

2011-06-24T09:43:00.000+10:00

I volunteered to man the U3a stall for a couple of hours at the Baby Boomers and Retirees Lifestyle Expo at Darling Harbour the other day. Here we are enjoying the winter sun in the park area near the Chinese Gardens just before going in. John wandered around the expo and then went off into the Darling Harbour shopping centre to see what he could see. Meanwhile I spent the two hours trying in get people interested in U3A. There were not a lot of people as this expo was supposed to be on a month ago and this one was put on in a rush and I am sure not many people knew about it. Volunteeres are required for the Retirees Expo at Rose Hill for the U3A stall in a months time and am not sure whether to say I will help.

2011-06-19T19:00:00.000+10:00

My first walk as leader went off well with no problems. The weather was good for walking and the 9 ks from Abbottsford to Cabarita just slipped away. I am to lead another walk in mid July from Many to North Head and this too requires a prewalk.
The gardners gathered here on Saturday and there were 7 of us, talking not just on gardening, but lots of other topics. I bought a couple of specially designed bags to grow potatoes in compost, which can be harvested by opening a flap at the front. Someone else will grow potatoes in a no dig garden and then another person said they would put them in the ground. We will see which way is best. I'm going to go halves with Graham in a deal by Diggers and we will have quite a variety to plant. I probably will put some in the gound too as there will be 6 different varieties.

2011-06-16T16:14:00.000+10:00

As the leader for the Hen and Chicken bay walk is ill, I offered to lead this walk. This will be my first time leading and am a bit nervous. We catch a ferry from the Quay to Abbottsford and then walk to Cabarita and then a ferry back to the Quay. A prewalk must be done so I and three others from our group did the 9k walk but twice got the directions mixed up and as one was a bit tired we didnt retrace our steps. For a couple of nights I didnt sleep as I dreamt I got everyone lost, so last Monday there was a couple of dry weather hours and John and I did the end bit of the walk which had me confused. So tomorrow I'll be prepared.

2011-06-12T16:23:00.000+10:00

John and I went to City Recital Hall Angel Place to see/hear the Australian String Quartet. The quartet comprised of two violins, viola and cello and played pieces of Schubert and Dvorak. A modern piece by James Ledger was not to our liking.
After the lovely 2 hour program we walked down to the Quay and saw some of the Vivid Light displays which finish this weekend. The video is of one lot of lights displayed on the Opera House. There were too many people in front of Customs House to get a shot of that, as it was spectacular. The way the lights glided down the building, it looked as if the building was melting.
I don't take many videos with the camera, so this is practising. The normal shots taken did not turn out at all. I will have to look up how to take night photos.

2011-06-06T15:17:00.000+10:00

An excellent movie - Get Low - nice story, no swearing or smoking and a happy ending.

A talk at the SMSA was on Maybank Anderson was a married woman and so had no rights to her own children or to her earings within the marriage and could not vote even if she owned property and paid taxes. She divorced and was a single parent at a time when divorced women were social outcasts, and her success in influencing all-male powerbrokers via her writing and speaking skills. An interesting lecture.

2011-06-06T15:10:00.000+10:00

Minammura

Bombo

Kiama

Audrey, our leader for the day

Another stop at Sutherland last Friday but this time it was all of the walkers to gather together to catch the Kiama train. We reached Minammura and hour and half later and started our 9 km walk. It was great weather and this makes walking easier as its not hot or cold. I loved the walk.

Movie time

2011-05-29T17:17:00.000+10:00

Two movies - a French film - Potiche meaning Trophy Wife, was funny but if I understood more of the language I think it would have been better. The other film was Water fFor Elephants and after all the hype over the past few weeks, we were a bit disappointed but glad to have seen it.

2011-05-26T16:47:00.000+10:00

How many times have I been to Sutherland? This time 13 of us met at Sutherland station and enjoyed the walk down Linden Street into Burnum Burnum Sanctuary. Morning tea on the rocks and behind me in the top photo is Bonnet Bay. We walked down the hill to cross Woronora Bridge on the special walk/cycle pathway under the bridge. Splendid view from the bridge down the river. Lunch was at a park on the other side of the bridge after which we got to the footbridge back to the station side. Up the bushy hill and we took a wrong turning but as we came to the cemetery fence we couldn't get lost, just followed it around. 9ks on a sunny day so a cup of tea at the cafe in the grounds at the end of the walk was very welcome. A great day. Kiama next week.
.

2011-05-26T16:29:00.000+10:00

John has learnt his lessons on internet shopping well as you can see from the above. I think if he could, he would sleep in the boots. .

2011-05-10T14:07:00.000+10:00

A cup of tea anyone. A few weeks ago wanted to have something different and couldn't decide which one, so bought a few. I like the English/Irish Breakfast the best.
At the Stanton Library I saw and heard Michael Rowbotham speak about his new book plus stories that came to his mind. He even signed my copy. He will be one of many authors gathering for next weeks Writers Festival which I am looking forward to.
Am not a fan of William Dobell but still went to the talk at SMSA and the speaker (Paul Delprat) was so keen on all aspects of Aust. artists from their lives to their different arts, he made you feel enthused as he spoke. Paul himselft is an artist, is the principal of Julian Ashton Art School where people like Tom Roberts and Streeton attended. Excellent talk.
A couple of movies - My Afternoons with Margueritte at the Dendy was very, very good. You left the cinema with a good feeling. There was no swearing, nor smoking. Yesterday because it was a mixed up day, and on the spur of the moment, saw Source Code. Good One.
A visit to the dentist was a necessiry but glad its over.
Lucy's birthday and mother's day both in one week and had the treat of skype to see all the US family.
While I am having all this fun, John is working but he is well and says he has to keep at it so he can spend more.

2011-05-01T21:15:00.000+10:00

A group of 12 of us walked on Friday from Bungan Beach to Narabeen which was about 7/8 k. Originally the walk was 12 k but with the dicey weather, the walk was cut down. As you can see from the top photo the weather was poor but did improve and then changed again. Thats Narabeen beach behind Nea and I. It was a good day and really enjoyed the walk.
I saw the Spanish movie Biutiful and then Barneys Version at the Newtown Dendy and both were great movies. Cannot say the same for Brighton Rock.
At the SMSA Laura Webster, the Senior Curator of Art at the Australian War Memorial gave a talk on men and women commissioned as Australia's 'Official War Artists' was very interesting and this week
Dobell will be discussed.

2011-04-17T22:05:00.000+10:00

It was Chinese Culture and Harmony days celebrated at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. I attended the first day when the celebrations started with the lion dance to open the day. The children squealed with delight as the lions head came right up to them. In the top picture it shows how on performer jumped on the shoulders of the other and made the lion very formidable. The Chinese Green tea ceremony and Tai-chi demonstration took about two hours and I really enjoyed it. Three different teas were served plus a sweet dumpling. Two Chinese men were displaying their art of calligraphy, one drew symbols of words and I took home the symbol of 'dragon' done on rice paper. The other chap was painting koi fish and as the queue was very long, I didnt wait. The gardens are so tranquil and it hard to believe its in the middle of so many high rise business buildings. The koi fish are at least a foot long in the ponds and children had more fun feeding them than themselves.
Also through Probus, another outing I went on was the law courts in the Downing Centre where we were given a very short talk then could sit in on any trial going on. The one I sat in, the three young men were accused of armed robbery. The next part of the outing was the Reserve Bank in Martin Place where we were given a great tour of the museum. When this was over, I took the opportunity to walk up to the Lion Walk House in the Botanic Gardens where there was a photography exhibition. Really good and a great day out.

Rodney and Jo's Wedding

2011-04-10T20:19:00.000+10:00

The highlight of the week was Friday when we attending Rodney and Jo's wedding. As seniors we bought our $2.50 tickets and started our journey from the top of street going by bus to Kingsgrove, train to Wynyard and then another bus which dropped us off at Balmoral Beach (see top photo). At 4 the bride arrived on the arm of her older brother and you could see Rodney looking unsettled. Everything went off perfectly. The weather was great and the sun shone on the couple at the rotundra. The actual ceremony took 20 mins but there there were photos an then by mini buses to the Sergeant's Mess at Chowder Bay for the receiption. There was finger food passed around as entree, then lots of speeches, the main meal - duck or steak - and sweets were a variety of mini cakes. We caught a cab home as we oldies, didnt stay for the dancing.
On the way home as we were going through the m5 tunnel, two p platers cars were travelling at about 30mhp, throwing things at each other and swerving towards each other and back. It was really scary. As we came out of the tunnel, they sped off. Meanwhile the cabbie, and I suppose others, reported them as they could have caused an accident. Other than that it was a great day.

2011-04-03T17:42:00.000+10:00

AGM of Probus was held on Monday so I had to forego the Outback Heros lecture but Margaret went and I got the print out on writers of the era. As John was home we went to the movies and saw Limitless and had a lovely lunch at Miranda. Also we ventured into town to see the Annie Leibovitz photographic exhibition but we were both disappointed. Her book had all the photos but was hoping for that 'something' extra. Saturday we had different venues to go to. John went to Rodney bucks outing which was a harour cruise which included a BBQ lunch. Next Friday is the big day at Balmoral beach. I went down to Coledale where Alice lives and there we had lunch to celebrate Joan's 80th birthday. As usual I took the photos and so I'm not in any of mine to show you. I'll have to wait to see if anyone else will send some through.

2011-03-27T15:09:00.002+11:00

A cup of coffee after our walk from around the back of Cronulla station to the point with Bundeena on our right , then on to the shops. Lovely short walk just what I wanted and there's John in the background of the cups. Only stayed at computers for a short time due to my cough but its now on the mend. John had the week off and did lots of odd jobs about the house.

2011-03-20T13:00:00.001+11:00

It was one of the work guys 50th birthday on Friday and here are John and Curly celebrating at a very nice pub in Newtown.
A movie - The Rite with Anthony Hopkins-on God versus the devil was very interesting. It was at the end of the movie that they said that there are 14 catholic exhortists still working in the USA today.
An official tour of the ABC studios showed us radio and tv studios plus the make up room with the off shoot of the special effects area and paraphernalia. One of the childrens shows was being recorded but we only saw the rehearsals and left before they actually did the shows. It was a couple of informative hours.
In the Outback Heros talk this week it was on Teamsters, Bullockies and transport. Teamsters preferred bullocks to horses as they were cheaper to buy and to maintain. They blazed the trail, took enormous risks and endured great hardship. Each bullock of the team had a name and their directions were usually given by whip or walking beside the leading bullock.
The SMSA author talks only last a hour and this week it was Kate Matthew, a historian and writer living in the Blue Mountains. She is conducting research on Governesses in Australia and they were not always the prim and proper figures that literature would have us to believe.

2011-03-15T10:48:00.000+11:00

Often I enter competitions but as they are few and far between, its very lucky to win something. I wanted to see the Annie Leibovitz exhibition at the Museum of Contempory Art and now have two free tickets, a huge book on the photos between 1990 - 2005 plus three different bottles of Bimbadgen wines. We'll go on the weekend otherwise during the week if John has a day off.

2011-03-15T10:39:00.000+11:00

I was able to go on two walks last week, Old Cremorne Wharf to Milsons Point and the other from Scrarborough Beach to Thirroul. At 7 -8 kms each it was great walking especially as the Harbour walk was in great weather. At Coledale,which is the beach between Scarborough and Thirroul, the tide was up so we had to walk up on the cliffs instead of rock hopping around. Maybe next time.

2011-03-06T14:47:00.000+11:00

John is holding the wine decanter we bought for Rodney and Jo as a wedding present. I know its a month away but we thought it better to give now than taking it to the reception.
On Monday the talk at Edgecliff was on swagmen and hawkers, plus the publican, the piano tuner, blacksmith and cobbler.
The author Noeline Kyle spoke about her book - Constance Emilie Kent & the Road Murder on Tuesday. Constance, they say she murdered her half-brother in the UK, then after serving her time came out to Australia and became a popular and respected nurse with her past well hidden.
I saw the movie Rabbit Hole with Nicole Kidman which was about the loss of a child. Unfortunately I'm sure Nicole Kidman has had plastic surgery or something done to her top lip, as she seemed to be pouting allot.
Spent a few hours at the ABC studios on Thursday where we sat though two sessions of Tuesday Book Club being filmed. Lots of fun.
The Gardening Club was held here yesterday with us sitting down the back and talking of things growing or how to resurrect our gardens from the scorching we had. I was able to share the water plants as we had cleaned out the fish pond and re potting the plants. Also I bought 4 more goldfish so that's makes 5 now.

Happy Birthday

2011-02-27T15:34:00.000+11:00

Happy 36th Birthday Fiona, best wishes and have a great day.

2011-02-27T15:29:00.000+11:00

Here we are with coffees from The Grind at the park talking. We did a small walk along the foreshore and then through the shopping mall for the coffee. John only worked Monday so it was nice we were all together but the week went very quickly.
I went to the movies on Monday for a bit of therapic escapism - Unknown and then Hereafter - I like Matt Damon.
Normally I don't go to the monthly computer meetings but did this time on Wednesday and was pleasantly surprised by the guest speaker. The chap is a family history researcher and computer tutor who spoke on World War One: Tracing War Graves in Europe. The told stories of people and how the war changed their lives.

2011-02-20T15:10:00.002+11:00

At the movies John and I saw were True Grit and Another Year, both good but they mumbled in True Grit so now am on the hunt for an old version of the movie with John Wayne (he won his only oscar for it).

A really long walk from The Spit bridge to Manly thru bushland, small beaches, lots of steps and unfortuately getting lost and adding to the lenght - 10ks. We enjoyed it but were exhausted that evening.
Through U3A, went to the gardening afternoon (next fortnight is here) and then a meeting at Edgecliff where for the the next few months will be a talk on Outback Heros. John goes back to work on Monday after having a week off as Vinnie is set to go back after a double hip operation.

Walking for Pleasure

2011-02-13T20:12:00.000+11:00

Many private expensive units

Imagine having this berthed in front of your place

I joined another group of walkers and this walk took us to the Botanical Gardens after leaving Circular Quay, to Woolloomooloo, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Trumper Park and then Paddington and a bus to Town Hall. It was an enjoyable day and have asked John to walk this route with me another time.

Hot, Hot, Hot

2011-02-06T21:08:00.000+11:00

The Manly ferry returning to Circular Quay

Joan and I at back, Shirley, Margaret, Bill, Norma and Helen took the photo

Its been a week of extremely high temps especially at night which makes it hard to sleep. Last night the lowest was 28 degrees and 42 hightest but thankgoodness its down to 20 for a day or two.
We met at Margaret's to celebrate both Normas and Shirleys birthdays which are only a couple of weeks apart and had a lovely lunch and lots of chat.
I recomenced the computer classes on Wednesday and Friday (cooler by the water) went for the first walk for U3A. I accompanied group one, as this is the walk I will lead in July for our group two. We caught the ferry to Manly but didnt continue up the Corso but walked the other side through Little Manly beach, then Collins beach and on past the Federal Police Academy on to the visitors centre in North Head. After lunch we cut thru the bush down to Cabbage Tree beach, walking to Manly ferry via the Corso.
Managed two movies - Morning Glory and Sarah's Key and enjoyed both.
While I am having fun John is working but maybe this week he will be free for a few days from Tuesday.

Its a scorcher

2011-02-01T17:14:00.000+11:00

The weekend was hot but today its hotter. John painted the wooden table and we put it against the fence so I now have two benches to work on when potting. The umbrella was going into the clean up as it had lost its handle but an excellent idea of John's was put to the test and it works well.

Australia Day

2011-01-26T20:37:00.000+11:00

What more could we want, a great hot day, a BBQ and lots of r and r. This morning there was Skype from Lucy and Henry and later in the day from Margaret who is learning to use it.

$5 day

2011-01-16T16:52:00.001+11:00

It was $5 for 2 seniors to travel to town and then back from Waverton. We took food and drink and had lunch in Lavender Bay after we had crossed the bridge, walked around the pathway past Luna Park. We should have stopped at McMahons Point but pressed on to Sawmillers Reserve and then some very steep street sections through to Waverton Park. By this stage we had had enough and cut through the park up a few more steep climbs and on to Waverton Station. Approx 7 kms and a little of it was had work. Was glad to get home.

Coogee to Bondi Beach walk with WEA Ramblers

2011-01-14T10:34:00.002+11:00

My second walk with the Ramblers group was great even though the weather looked as if it could rain, but it held out. There were 15 walkers all told with some joining in mid way and others leaving when the length of walk was enough for them. Being along the beaches there is always public transport back to the city which is excellent. Thery were 14 different people from the last walk and this time many more men. One chap said he had been on many walks and its rare to meet previous walkers unless arranged as there are so many members.

Louise's farewell

2011-01-13T16:41:00.000+11:00

Louise got married in October to Wayne who lives in Tamworth and so now the time has come for her to move permanently north. Nicholas starts school in Feb. so its packing time and they are off on Sunday. Its sad in a way but happy that she starts her new life with Wayne. John manned the BBQ and the steaks were cooked to perfection. Everyone bought a specified dish and that made the day much easier. Great day.

Watsons Bay cont.

2011-01-10T11:13:00.000+11:00

Watsons Bay Wed 5th

2011-01-09T20:34:00.000+11:00

I joined WEA Ramblers as I wanted to walk two three times a week. Wednesdays walk was short as we caught a ferry to Watsons Bay then then a walk along beach areas and streets we reached Neilsen Park where we had lunch. No one bought their swimming costume so after eating we returned to Watsons Bay ferry. It was a great day weather wise and the group were a nice bunch. Margaret came on too but she found it was a bit long so she will do some local walking before venturing on a longer one.

photos of walk

2011-01-01T14:32:00.006+11:00

Mosman to Balmoral

2010-12-30T14:27:00.002+11:00

What a day we had. Catching a ferry from Circular Quay to Mosman Bay was the first leg and then the walk. I inadvertantly said left when it should hve been right and so it was our first detour but after that we had a great walk to Taronga Zoo wharf, passing that to Clifton Gardens and then on to Balmoral. We walked for 4 hours and covered just on 8km most of which was a good track but there were 2 steeeeeeeep climbs. Today the backs of my legs feel a little sore.

There were a lot of the Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the paths and they would run as were got closer. John had a fall about half way but carried on only to find when he got home he needed to put ice on the foot to help with the pain. Today the bruise had appeared but he is walking OK.

We stopped at Bradley Head reserve to have our picnic lunch. We were interupted by a family of kookaburras who perched in the tree nearby. As I was holding the last bit of ham and tomato roll, one of the babies swooped down and whipped the food, which was near my mouth, and off it flew. An older French couple came over to take a photo of the birds (they had seen what had happened). Unfortunately their English was very limitied and after a couple of words we headed onwards.
It was a great day and our next walk is Circular Quay, across the bridge, Lavender Bay, McMahons Point to Waverton. All these years and I haven't walked across The Bridge.

odds

2010-12-30T14:20:00.003+11:00

Monday lunchtime we spent at Sutherland as the electrician took out the old oven then John removed a section it was sitting on so the new upright could fit in. All went well and I'm sure the tennant would be happy even though there was a gap between new oven and cupboard.
Tuesday Margaret and I went and had our movie fix and saw The King's Speech and Somewhere. Well I wouldn't recomend Somewhere as I walked out the cinema wondering what it was all about. Whereas the King's Speech was excellent as I really like both the main actors - Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth.

A strange visitor

2010-12-30T13:39:00.002+11:00

Graham and Pat went to Culburra on Boxing day but they found a very wet rainbow lorikeet in their backyard. It couldn't fly so they presumed it escaped from a home cage and as they were going on hols the bird came over here. Over two days it was happy swinging, hanging upside down plus doing rolls and then his friends arrived. They sat on the verandah and all squawked together so we thought he must be ok and let him out. Off he flew to the blue yonder.

2010-12-30T13:02:00.006+11:00

After opening our gifts, we had a cold lunch and as it was warm, the neighbours out to a family do, we spent some time in their pool. We had a roast duck for a change and it was delicious. I am so looking forward to spending my Bunnings gift voucher. Skype with Katrina, Diane and John and then a few minutes with Andrew, Fiona, Lucy and Henry. It was their third Skype and We thought they had had enough. All Skypes were lovely.

First crop

2010-12-26T19:19:00.004+11:00

Don't they look delicious. I'm always amazed when I pick them and then taste the difference between bought and home grown. The fruit fly is about and hope they don't ruin too many fruit.

Cardie

2010-12-26T18:56:00.002+11:00

The finished product was posted on Thursday and I hope that it not only fits but Lucy likes it too.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T14:39:00.001+11:00

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and you have health and happiness in 2011.

Success

2010-12-24T13:55:00.003+11:00

I sat through the google video many, many times but in the end the result was a pieced together puzzle ring. Now I have broken it a few times and put it together without the video and just hope I remember how to do it.

gardening

2010-12-19T20:43:00.004+11:00

It was a gardening weekend for both of us. John attacked the hydrangers down the side of the house as they were taking over the pathway, while I spent time in the vegie patch. This year the raspberries have come on well and enough of them to take to the kitchen and have for sweets. John had cream (for the first time in months) on the raspberries, I like them just plain. Some of the tomatoes are ready for picking and ripening up. Its still a battle with the birds and snails over the strawberries. The pumpkin has gone berserk and the cucumbers are only pencil thin. Ruhbarb is plentiful and will need to be repotted when its a bit cooler.

This past week

2010-12-18T15:50:00.003+11:00

Have had a hard time with Skype and could see and hear but my microphone did not work after the update. Katrina patietly sat while I fiddled and now its OK. Thank you.
We had yum cha in Chinatown with the walking group and got to try quite a few items we've never had before. A good couple of hours of chat and laughs.
Met some of the ladies up at the Catholic Club at Hurstville and thats the last time I'm going to the shopping centre before Christmas. BUSY is not the word but chaotic for parking.
I've seen two movies at the Dendy - Fair Game with Naomi Watts and Love and Other Drugs with Anne Hathaway. Both were entertaining and enjoyable. It was unusual to see lots of children at the Dendy - it was to see one of the Narnia movies.
Google seems to have the answer to every question and am now going to find how to put together my puzzle ring.

Culburra

2010-12-18T15:26:00.004+11:00

There was a lot to do at the house but as it was overcast all but one day, the jobs got done. The one good afternoon we enjoyed walking on the beach and feeling the sun's warmth. There has been a great job done by council to regenerate the grassy area at the beach in preparation of conserving the sand (you can see it behind me). There were only a couple of other people to share lovely the beach.

Cockatiel's nesting box

2010-11-28T17:44:00.003+11:00

The week started well with the Probus meeting at which the speaker gave a talk on how to tell a joke. Unfortunately it was just an hour of her jokes and now I dont remember any. There is an art in telling them which I dont have.
John worked three days, so it was pleasant to potter about, mainly in the garden. But mid week I took out the cockatiel's nesting box and pulled something in my back. Since then I have not done anything, I even had to cancel my Friday walk about the harbour. It was one I had been looking forward to. John and I will do the walk ourselves by catching the ferry to Mosman and walking on to Chowder Bay in a few weeks. There were 10 eggs and two dead babies, so I think its rest time for the birds and they can try again next year.
I walked for half an hour this morning but that was too long and so am back to square one.
On Thursday we are going to Culburra for 6 days, then back for the walker's Christmas party and then off to Port Macquarrie for 3 days. Consequently there will be no blog for over two weeks. I wish I had a laptop.

Birthday

2010-11-23T10:30:00.006+11:00

I had a lovely birthday by going to the movies - Red with Bruce Willis and it was the usual shoot-them-up theme. We had a good laugh. The celebration continued the next day with the ladies at Miranda for lunch. Lovely. The Skype connection was excellent and we had time talking and watching Henry and Lucy.

After a ferry ride to Cremorne Point wharf we walked the loop having a wonderful time with lunch and then a longer ferry home.

I've started on the black cardigan for Lucy.

Spraying the pigeons

2010-11-14T16:37:00.004+11:00

Here is John hosing the pigeons that come to visit the hens when bread scraps are thrown on the lawn. They are a menace and carry lice.

One morning this past week I met up with Diane for coffee at Gardens R Us in Moorefields Road and caught up with news.

We were not impressed on Tuesday when John and I went to see the movie - Eat Pray Love, the scenery was great but not the story.

Instead of our normal shopping on Saturday morning, we drove down to Kangaroo Valley markets. It was a lovely drive down to Bowral then inland, about half way to Moss Vale. Again another disappointment, as there were only about 10 stalls, with no fresh fruit. So off we drove to Berry for lunch and home.

The walking group met at Bondi Junction and caught a bus to Codgee Beach where we started the walk to Tamarrama; after lunch walked the trail of Sculptures by the Sea and we were lucky as the exhibition finished today. John did not come as he went to Rodney and Jo's new house but the bbq had not arrived so will go again next week and help out but he did get a nice lunch.

Animal Cruelty

2010-11-10T16:51:00.002+11:00

On the morning of leaving to Coffs, John went down to the shed to get a couple of bottle of wine. On our eleventh day of hols, we get a message from Pat - chook in locked shed. At first we couldn't remember where the keys were and had both Pat and Graham searching the usual places and in the end Graham screwed the square air vent off the door. The chook shot out for water. The hen had no water or food for 11 days. Today that hen must have forgiven us as she laid her first egg in over two weeks.

John's 66th Birthday

2010-11-07T12:21:00.002+11:00

Happy Birthday John. No balloons or streamers, just a quiet day and evening.

The wedding

2010-11-05T15:58:00.005+11:00

Louise and Wayne were married at the Tangaratta winery on Sat. 30th at 5pm. Everything went perfectly and the weather could not have been better. A bus picked up all the guest who stayed at one motel and drove us there and back, so everyone could have a drink.

Tamworth

2010-11-05T15:08:00.006+11:00

Armidale was a lovely old town and we walked looking at the old buildings which were so grand. As I didnt take any photos there but I did of the Tamworth PO

coffs

2010-11-05T15:02:00.002+11:00

Coffs

2010-11-05T14:47:00.004+11:00

Away from Home

2010-11-05T14:13:00.003+11:00

Over the past few weeks we've travelled north, staying at Tuncurry overnight then on to Coffs Harbour for 10 days, on to Armidale overnight and then to Louise and Wayne's wedding. We've never stopped at Tuncurry and its was lovely as it was out of tourist season and not many about. Forster which is just over the bridge seemed larger and more of a business area.

We've been to Coffs Harbour before and enjoyed it this time as much. We didn't do the travelling as last time, the furthest was Sawtell and this is just down the road. Not every day was sunny, so it was walks about the area and even walking into town. I think we did an average of 8ks a day. There were markets on two days and went to both. At one I bought a silver necklace with a dragonfly and John got talking to the maker. He made arrangements to put a new stone in John's ring and would post it back home. We walked the sands at Sawtell as well as Coffs on the good days, and we collected alot of cuttle shells for the birds. We climbed Mutton Bird Island and the view from the top looking back over the bay was beautiful. Eating was another pleasure especially with no washing up to do afterwards. A visit to the Big Banana was a disappointment as the light rail no longer operated but still least learnt a bit more about bananas.

Busy Wednesday and Prince Henry Walk

2010-10-17T17:41:00.005+11:00

Wednesday was such a long and enjoyable day. Its started off with buying Milo and then going to my old workplace to post. After a chat, it was off to computer class and a dash home after. John and I caught the train into town and walked in Hyde Park to see the photography exhibition for art and about. We timed it well, as then the Night Noodle Markets started and so we were not pushed and bustled like last time, but were able to choose food with no queues and even had a choice of tables. A walk to the cinema in George Street to see the preview of Made in Pakenham. A good movie coming out in a month or so. As it was such a long day, slept in the next day.

ext.

Friday was the walk from Echo Point in Katoomba along the Prince Henry Walk to Leura. It was a great walk even though it tried to rain, and then the wind was very strong, especially when we looked at the Bridal Veil waterfall. The next day it snowed so really we were lucky.

Tomorrow we are driving slowly to Coffs Harbour where we will stay 10 days, then overnight in Armidale and then onward to Tamworth for Louise's wedding on the 30th.

Daylight saving

2010-10-10T18:50:00.003+11:00

Daylight saving started last Sunday and the first couple of days felt odd eating while still light but now we find it great and days feel longer.

The lorikeets have been visiting the bottlebrush and having a feed from the flowers; the tree is just out the back door down the ramp.

I though Lucy might like to see a photo of our three chooks who have been laying an egg a day.

The passonfruit vine spread from one fence to the other and its the second year there has been no fruit. So the action is, that half of it is to be cut away and will leave the other half to see if I can train a new set of branches along the new fence.

Over the past week John has built the pergola as were were tired of the material gazebo flying off or by the end of winter it being ripped and I think he has done an excellent job. Now the table and chairs look very tired and might need an update.

Today we had 15 mins of skype to see Fiona, Andrew, Lucy and Henry. Seeing them dance, roll on the floor and even crying when the phone was taken away was wonderful.

Walks

2010-10-03T19:04:00.004+11:00

For all walks there is a pre-walk to find the bus times, toilets and average time to complete the walk with morning tea break and lunch. I went with two other ladies on a pre-walk in Carlingford. I was wary as I was told to catch a yellow bus on the corner of Market and George and just ask for Oaks Road on the M2. It was a good 7k walk and the most scary thing was a red bellied black snake crossed in front of me.

John has been off and so decided to build a gazebo as each year, the material one disintergrates due to the winter conditions. Its almost complete.

Friday John came on the walk from Point Clare to East Gosford, approx. 14 k. It was a lovely walk through bush tracks road and beach, ending up in Japanese Gardens.

John's vest is compete so now have to find a new project.

St. George has just won the grand final.

Outings

2010-09-26T21:05:00.004+10:00

The talk at Mondays at Mosman was - Gardens in the Ancient World by Maree Browne, who is an archaeologist but who at the moment is lecturing at Sydney uni. I had a great morning and its opened a great big section that needs exploring, most probably thru Google.

Wilma and I went to the ABC studios to watch Tuesday Book Club being filmed for the next show. There had to be a retake of one section as Jennifer Byrne squinted as reading her lines. One of the books discussed was Catcher in the Rye, so thats one to be reread as its a long time ago that I turned those pages.

The computer classes stop for school hols, and that means have a bit of homework to do over the next two weeks.

Today we drove out to Bowral as the Throsby home was being transferred to the Historic Housing Trust and it was the first time it was opened to the public. Lovely home which needs quite a bit of work.

Talking and Walking

2010-09-19T16:05:00.004+10:00

Two talks this week, one at Mossman and the other at the Mitchell Library. The first was by Prof. Sean O"Neill who heads the research team at Liverpool Hospital into Rheumatology and associated diseases. There is no answer but to eat healthly, keep fit in mind and body. Replacement knees and hips are done when the joints are no longer able to work and pain is unbearable. John's fellow worker, is having double hip replacement in a months time.

At the Mitchell there is a display on Governor Lachlan Macquarie and we had a guide for over an hour giving an overview of his life and his achievements in the colony of NSW.

Walks - Friday with the U3A group we walked from Collaroy, Dee Why, North Curl Curl, Freshwater, North Steyne to Manly. An excellent day in weather, company and what sights. Today John and I walked from North Wanda to Cronulla and back. Again a great walk with a treat of a BBQ sausage sandwich by the North Cronulla surf club. Plus a coffee for John and a Hard Rock icecream for me.

I met the ladies up at Miranda where over a cup of coffee and cake we discussed Louise's wedding and what we were going to do.