A day with Turbo Boy and Annika

Monday Jan 16:

 I decide to take the kids to Homebush Aquatic Centre today, the site of previous Olympian heroics like Ian Thorpe's record breaking appearances. None of those glories today - the children's section is one giant playground.

Annika runs straight for the Tipping Bucket and sits down to wait for the big splash. Mathew is not game but proceeds to dive under the water again and again. There's an interesting side effect. Turbo boy emerges with a line of yellow snot streaming from one nostril. I quickly duck his head in the water to get rid of it...he re-emerges with the yellow streak between his eyes sneaking up his forehead. Another ducking does the trick but then the second nostril starts! That one takes a helping hand from Grandma to get rid of. I get to wondering how many other snotty noses are in that pool. Uugh! Not worth thinking about!

The pool is a madhouse, full of screaming jostling kids, too close for comfort when we do the raging river run. But I'm achieving my aim, to wear Turbo Boy out so he'll sleep well tonight. The night before he was so excited to be staying over at Grandma's  (after two years of promises) his mind was going a miillion miles an hour and he coudln't sleep until after ten. Then he woke up at 6am. We had to play quietly so as not to wake Annika sleeping on the sofa bed by request. There's a challenge, his voice is set permanently at a zillion decibels high.

Four hours later we pile into the car to go home. "When are we going to the park Grandma?"  'AFTER I'VE HAD MY COFFEE AND A SIT DOWN' "Then can we go?" 'Yes,' I  say, looking at the clouds, and  praying for the same heavy rain we had this morning,

No such luck. An hour later the sun is blazing and  we're playing cricket (he never relinquishes the bat.) We let him run after his own balls, his skinny little legs going fifty to the dozen. I metaphorically rub my hands with satisfaction.

Mathew has two speeds, flat out or the dragging dawdle, which is what he have on the way home. Once in the flat he declares he's going to bed - NOT -the mattress is still airing after his nocturnal accident. Any way he meant the couch, and watching Roary.

FInally by 8.30 he's in bed asleep. That's what it takes but what about Grandma? Shes pooped.

Annika says, 'It's different with Mathew here Grandma.' It's dawning on her that playing teachers and cafes is never going to be the same, and I don't see all three of us in the kitchen together making cakes. But that's alright.

The next day we go to my local pool  where there's not so much to do but it's less chaotic. Therefore I can keep an eye on Turbo Boy better. It's amazing how alike five year old skinny, dark haired boys are!

He and Annika play at being dolphins once I get out of the water. They play so well together. Another bonus is the warm water. Mathew  is not sporting his customary blue lips after hours in the pool. A bonus for Grandma. As we're sitting on the little deck eating some chips, the Canterbury Bulldogs team members come out of the water after a training swim. (The Bulldogs are the local rugby league team)

Even Annika notices. "Look Grandma, they're all muscly." Indeed they are ; Ooh la la! I think I'll book us in for next week too!

I deposit  them home in the evening and prepare myself for Round Two next week. .

Happy New Year everyone

The calendar Val sent me from Chatsworth House knew it was the end of the year. It fell off the wall of its own accord on Dec 31. I barely noticed, I was that busy cooking turkey roll, stuffing and baked potatoes, not to mention the plum and apple pie, and the salmon dip. I had to get it all done and packed in the car in time for me to reach Milson's Point before they closed the roads at noon for the fireworks. Luckily the traffic was light even though it comprised the dithery weekend drivers, uugh!!!!

Had to have a lie down when I reached the penthouse (for those in the know it's the same place Maxine & Dirk got married and where I had my 70th birthday.)

When Skye awoke from her nap Maxine and I took her and the dog Mono for a walk to nearby Bradfrield Park. (the same place you and I watched the fireworks from Maxine [sis] a couple of years ago.) Security was already set up and people were staking their patches complete with tents and champagne... only 10 hours to midnight! 

Maxine patrolled the park with the dog while I took Skye into the play area. When she cnme back Maxine said people mistook Mono for a Sniffer dog!!! The weather was clearing and looked promising.

I had a call from Cris and Eddie who were on the road to Tamworth for a few days.Tamworth is inland, famous for its country music festival, not a top holiday destination usually  but Ed picked it because it was the wartmes, sunniest place on the weather map.

After Skye went to bed we drank and feasted until it was time for the first fireworks at 9pm. Lovely show, and  I got good video footage. then it was time for pie and a cup of strong coffee so I could stay awake. Meanwhile bleow us Luna Park rocked on with a terrible band booming away at full pitch.

Some friends joined us at ten pm (Eric & Barry say hi David) and we went back on the roof with more champagne for the most spectacular show. The theme is 'a time to dream' and 'hope' which was reflected in the fireworks, more variety of colours and little clouds like thought bubbles every now and again. Great stuff.

Trying to sleep afterwards was a fool's game. They were still partying hard at Luna Park. and the apartment has a lot of big windows. Never mind. It was worth it.

Happy New Year to one and all.

stuffing

I made Grandma Goodman's stuffing today, the full whack, 2 loaves of bread, celery, hazelnuts, onions, sage and salt all bound together with a pound of butter, yum!!!! And all done with the thermomix which sure takes the grunt out of all that grinding and chopping. There's enough stuffing for next year's turkey as well.

Just read that Peter Roebuck died. Such a shame, although I'm afraid the circumstances of his death may prove murky. Nevertheless, he was one of the finest writers about the game, obviously well educated and with a wide vocabulary used well. I'll miss his newspaper columns and his commentary.

Dirk just called, I've left my camera at their house. It's becoming a ritual, that after babysitting I leave something behind, often something electronic. Last week it was the phone charger. And he grilled me before leaving on Friday, 'have you got your computer, the charger?' etc... 'Yes' said I confidently. NOT!

Ah well, maybe the rot of dementia is setting in. Don't we all dread it? It's like being one of the living dead, you're there but not there. I shall have to do more exercise and keep on with those puzzles to stave off the beast. When I've finished this I'll download some more NY Times crossword puzzles to keep me going.

mangoes and jacarandas

Ed remarked on all the Jacaranda trees he and Cris saw from the air when they landed in Sydney last Thursday. 'Funny,' say I, 'I've been complaining that I haven't seen any yet.' I've put it down to the cold October.

Of course all the way home in the car Ed pointed out the numerous Jacaranda trees en route, but had the grace to acknowledge they're not very bright and easy to miss. Since then they've appeared all over the place, bright and purple. I love them. When I was working at Uni the appearance of the Jacaranda marked exam time and the end of face to face teaching for three months. A great relief! They only last a couple of weeks but cheer me up every time I see them.

Something else that cheers me is the arrival of mangoes. They've been around for about a month but too expensive to buy unless I win Lotto which I haven't, maybe because I haven't bought tickets??? Now theyr'e reasonably priced and beautifully ripe so I'm tucking in.

Tomorrow is Melbourne Cup Day, a huge day not only on  the racing calendar but all over Australia.  With a bit of luck those punters who're planning to fly to Melbourne via QANTAS might be able to make it. The dispute is over...for 3 weeks at least. I've been off QANTAS lately mainly because of cramped airline seating internationally. For my next trip I'm definitely going to look elsewhere after all this.

After aqua exercise I'm going over the road to the Bowling Club with my aqua pals for a Melbourne Cup lunch. There's a hat competitition. Judging by the monstrosities at Prince William and Kate's wedding, I figure I can't go wrong with a paper plate stuck to the side of my head!

day of days

Am doing a stint of child minding while Ed & Cristina sail the crystal blue waters of the Whitsunday Islands for 4 days.

Day 1: see them off, take the kids to the pool, lunch at Roselands. Mathew falls asleep in the car on the way home. Big mistake, talk about a power nap - too powerful for him to wind down before 10pm! Meanwhile Grandma has been ready for bed since nine.

Day 2: we all sleep in till 7.30am. Then the rush is on, nutella sandwich, fruit twist bar, chips, popper drink and water in Annika's bag. Did I tell you the temperature is going to be 35 degrees today? Change of clothes for Mathew, water and toy aeroplanes for show and tell. He's going to talk about seeing mum and dad off at the airport. I rush to aqau aerobics only to find it's outdoors. Good job I carry a rashie (swimming shirt) and hat in my bag. Had to pinch some of the instructor's sun screen. Being in the water was the best place to be. Sweltered in the heat for the rest of the day.

Day 3: Tuesday, Big Day for Mathew, his first orientation at BIG SCHOOL - he starts early next year.  (By now the temperature has plummeted to the early teens, and it's raining.) The kid didn't miss a beat when I left him there, surrounded by girls from his day care he was off with them without a backward glance.

I thought I'd give him a day off at home for a change afterwards (the poor kid's been in long day care since he was one year old.) All going well then surprise! Cousin Skye showed up. Hadn't dared to tell Mathew beforehand that she was coming since the excitement levels would have ramped up to uncontrollable.

Skye is a blonde, blue eyed angel who is determined and adventurous. Anything Mathew had she wanted and went to get it. Eventually the novelty wore off for Mathew and he started protesting. The room filled with the sound of 'NOs' as they tussled for possession. Bear in mind Skye usually uses the German 'Nein' but she knew right away which one to use with Mathew.

Then the nightmare begins, We go to pick Annika up from school. It's pouring. Skye hates the plastic cover for the pram and starts pulling it away every time I try to put it on. I give up that idea and tuck in one of the raincoats hanging up in the vestibule over her legs. She rips it off three times, face red with screaming. I manage to secure it enough for us to start out although her feet stick out in the rain. I'm balancing a large umbrella, trying to keep an eye on Mathew with his sister's pink umbrella (which he loves) and pushing the pram on a pavement that slopes steeply to the road, to the accompaniement of Skye's objections. Not a good look.

Of course Annika is thrilled to see her baby cousin. Skye is not so thrilled, still complaining about the whole set up. At least Annika can help out with Mathew, and we cross the street to walk on the flatter pavement. Skye gives up crying and I give up the umbrella, better to be wet than put my back out with the balancing act.

By the time Dirk picks up Skye in the early evening the place looks like a bomb site. It still does the next morning as I write this with one of Ed's warm jackets on and a blanket over my knees. Whatever happened to spring?????

I've forgotten how energy sapping it is to look after three little kids. Things I did without turning a hair at age 30 are so much bigger when I'm 70. Much as I love my grandchildren, it sure is nice having some respite of peace and quiet... but those damn toys are still littering the place. I've got to get off my butt and pick them up before the cleaner comes tomorrow.

Tethered Roof Man

Have had a shock today. Looking out of my office window I see a man on the roof next door, complete with bum crack, cleaning the eaves. I'm glad to see he's tethered, not sure of my emergency nursing skills these days although I know the latest CPR drill. More compressions than breaths (30:2 I think) That's hard to keep up isn't it? They've had more changes than Paris Hilton on a night out.

Should I wave? I feel a bit like ferry riders compelled to wave to yachties in Sydney harbour. But I don't want to distract him. Even with the tether he could break a limb. He has a green plastic bag full of detritus. How's he going to get it down? I assume there's a ladder but I can't see it and I don't want to stand up to look. Distraction again.

Another tether. In his ears. He's plugged into an IPod or phone, can't see which. But if he's listening to music he's not moving to the rhythm thank goodness.

As you can see. This has made my day!!!!

It's all about food today

Probably because I did aqua aerobics and I was starving afterwards. I bought bananas, something I have not purchased since I was in NZ in April. Why? Because floods in Queensland ruined the crop and they've been as much as $15.99 a kilo. No banana is worth that much. I would like to see Australia import them like NZ does, those cheap little suckers ($1.99 a kilo) were from Ecuador and the Phillipines and were delicious. But no...we do not import bananas, we have to have home grown ones no matter how much they cost. They're down to $6.99 a kilo. They looked alright so I bought 2...bananas that is not 2kgs.

NZ has been trying to get Australia to purchase their apples. The Aussies claim they have some sort of blight that they don't want here. After 99 years of trying the Kiwis have succeeded. They have to do all sorts of spraying and washing beforehand and label the apples as 'product of New Zealand.' Do you see a pattern here? Isn't it called protectionism? Aren't we supposed to not be doing that?

I left the pool dreaming about the Morrocan lamb dish I made last night from an English Woman's Weekly recipe, very simple, started off on top of the stove and cooked in the oven. Now that I have one of those kinds of pots (thank you Maxine) I love these kinds of recipes. You can use a relatively cheap cut of lamb. I say relatively because lamb has suddenly become the most expensive cut of meat when it used to be the cheapest. What happened? Maybe the sheep got washed away in those Queensland floods, and heaven forbid that we should import any! I have no idea. With a can of tomatoes, tomatoe paste, red lentils, potatoes, onion, garlic and all the spices it makes a tasty one-dish meal.

We often talk about food when we're in the pool, on account of the fact that we exercise at or just before lunch time. My tummy was rumbling most of the exercise hour today although our new instructor distracted us by working us hard. She showed up our regular instructors as somewhat complacent slobs. There was no cruising with this chick. It was great.

At home I turned on the TV to see where Hurricane Irene is and whether it's blasted my niece Krista out of her Brooklyn apartment yet. Her last facebook entry tells me she's okay.

Now after lunch I'm beginning to feel sleepy. I think I deserve a nap today. Bye for now.

And on the 9th day there was light...

Yes, Eddie the electrician arrived at 5pm yesterday. Given that the light was fading fast in the short winter day, he donned headlight to inspect the wiring. Tossed out some shonky looking paper covered wire, declared I was lucky to be alive, (it was so bad up there) cleaned up what was left and went downstairs to put the fuse back in. Woops, still no light! He turned his attention to the dimmer switch which has actually never dimmed down at all. Bingo, we had light. He stil insists it was the shonky wiring though.

I quizzed him closely about why the light didn't come on until he fixed the switch. He blinded me with science so I listened quielty as he told me I should upgrade my switch board from re-wireable fuse to something more modern and safer. He can do it for $1800.00. When can I book you in? Bet he wouldn't be a day late for that appointment. I need time to consult those who know more than I do before committing to something costing  a little more than the two hundred dollars I was expecting.

Mr Popper's Penguins was delightful in spite of Annika slurping her drink in all the wrong places. When did she turn so noisy at the movies? She used to sit in rapt silence staring at the screen, so serious I thought she wasn't enjoying herself. Apparently she was. Now there's no guessing, she's guffawing and commenting, to the extent that I had to tell her to stop talking, I was missing the good bits.That's when the slurping started. I felt like tossing that sickly pink slurpy but would probably have hit some rug rat in front and incurred the wrath of mother. Not a good look.

Back home Annika has been busy compiling her Aussie animal pictures on my netbook. She knows her way around a computer quite well. She made palm cards and practised her narration. We've put her document with the pictures on a CD so the family is in for a performance when she goes back home  on Wednesday.

still waiting

The little lights under the hood over the oven have been working over time as one week later I await the arrival of an electrician, another one. The first one never came, never called. My neighbour thought it might be one of the bulbs. These are four Halogen lights, and I have no clue what they look like when they're dead, neither does he. But obliging soul that he is, he brought down his ladder (home made by his Cabinet-making father 50 years ago) and we tested them one by one using one of the new bulbs I bought just in case. No dice. I need an electrician...hurry up Tony!!!!!

More aqua with the kid today. She's complaining of leg pain which seems to switch from knee to ankle, depending on the mood. So I'm not too worried. She's busy on the netbook compiling her file of  "Australian Animals" at present.

Tomorrow we see Mr. Popper's Penguins. Hopefully, waiting for the second week of school holidays will cut down on the crowds. Nevertheless, we'll go early so Grandma can fortify herself with a large cappuccino before entering the world of silliness and mayhem.

wrong cookie pan

Well I might have bought a bargain cookie pan on Monday but it was not deep enough to allow all the lemon mixture to sit on top. Consequently a batch of half filled lemon bar cookies made their way to Roselands for the qua gals. Fortunately there was just enough lemon flavour and the base is to die for, should be with all that butter!

Annika's day was complete when Caitlin, the granddaughter of one of the aqua gals showed up. They swam together while we star jumped to '60s rock. Annika got the full beauty treatment in the changing room afterwards.

We came home early in anticipation of an electrician showing up. When I turned on the kitchen lights on Monday there was a loud bang. Thus no light in the kitchen except by the stove light. Everything else works and the fuses were okay so called in an electrician. He didn't show, so I'll have to call him again.

Not much on the agenda today except a visit to Big W to find the right cookie pan.

first day of the school hols

Annika and I made an early start today, off to the big smoke in search of chocolate. Our first stop was in Newtown, I've had my eye on some earrings for a long time. Lucky me the sales were on, 10% off.

Next we inspected the New Westfield complex. I'm not too impressed, it's spacious, more classy than what it replaced but is dark. Is this the new fashion? Annika's eyes lit up when she saw the macaroons so had to have a coffee and hot chocolate stop there.

I needed a new cookie pan for the lemon bar cookies I'm going to make tomorrow. Selected a $13.95 model at Myers only to find it cost $8.65 thanks to a promotional offer. Nice!

After a KFC lunch in the food hall we started our trek to the chocolate bar near the Opera House. I remembered that I needed some tea. Now that I've gone herbal, I'm keen to try loose leaves rather than the bags. At the Tea shop, I bought Camomile (already sipped, it's lovely) and green tea mixed with orange peel which I'll try in the morning. I haven't drunk black tea since I returned from NZ in a bid to reduce migraines. There's a slight reduction but I'm not sure if it's due to the change in tea consumption or the little blue pill I take at night which helps me sleep longer.

On the road to the Opera House, we spied what looked like gravestones on a grassy knoll. On inspection, they're just stones of varying shapes and sizes, not bad for a photo op.


At last we reached the Guylian shop, ordered the fruit plate with dipping chocolate There was fresh pineapple, strawberries, kiwi fruit and melon. Very nice.

Finished off by watching  a street performer do his tricks, juggling a chainsaw and knives and finally standing on a bike up a pole juggling knives, and an apple.

Discoveries of the Day

Aldi does not stock all my needs;

When a newly purchased jar of jam falls on the floor of the store it breaks;

Buses replace trains between Lidcombe and Sydenham thereby messing up my plans to meet Barbara in the second carriage tomorrow;

Jean Paul Gaultier is one talented designer (this morning watched a documentary in the series 'The Day Before' about various artists preparing for a show.)

Haute Couture is not such a bad thing. While it is beyond our reach and sort of ridiculous it employs talented embroiderers, crocheters, and beaders, etc thereby ensuring the worth and viability of such crafts.

STVDIO is fast becoming one of my favourite channels on Cable TV.

And it isn't even 10am. Who know's what's around the corner.

Now for the wedding.

Easter is over spent quietly getting over the holiday (except for Good Friday spent with the mini Hewers).Today  I rush to Charcoal Chicken for my fix, it's been 4 weeks! Like everyone else they've put their prices up. I've already gone from once a week to once a fortnight after the last price rise, so now I'll have to reduce my treat to once every 3 weeks (or maybe 2 and a half.) My arteries will be grateful if nothing else. Will compensate tonight by eating noodles with veg for dinner. I don't know who I'm kidding, I've been tucking into those Lindt chocolate bunnies like there's no tomorrow! They sure know how to make chocolate!

I've been devouring all the docos on the Royal family, Will and Kate, Charles and Diana etc. Getting ready for compulsory viewing on Friday evening (our time) of that wedding. I remember me and the kids sleeping on the lounge room floor in Mount Vernon in order to wake up in the early hours to watch Charles and Diana's nuptials. We woke up just as they were exchanging their vows. Then we went shopping to one of the big malls for a new bike for Maxine's belated birthday. At least the wedding news lightens up the rest, massacres in Syria, civil war in Libya, 500 Taliban thugs tunneling out from their jail, casualties in Afghanistan.

10 days after black salve

Will be movie making more than writing over the next few weeks. I have many projects needing my attention. Next week I go to the cancer clinic to see if my skin cancer has been taken away by the black salve. It doesn't look bad, but I can still feel a lump.

4 weeks after black salve

now I know the new year has really begun

The regular radio announcers and TV presenters are back on air. The kids are back at school (in 100 degree weather poor things!) traffic is back, no more carefree cruising around Sydney, which it appears has been voted one of the least popular cities in OZ. Traffic and transport is one of the reasons for its lowly status. I still love it, I dont' care what they say, although I get as frustrated as the next one at not being able to find parking.

It is too hot to write so this will be short. Have to tell you a little anecdote though.

I was taking Annika back home after her holiday stay with me. She asks me what 'grounded' means. Being a sociology graduate I explain as simply as I can about having one's feet firmly planted in the earth, not being up yourself if you get famous etc. 'Do you understand Annika?' I say in my most gentle voice, marvelling at the depth of question from a seven year old.

'Yes but there's another meaning Grandma. When you're naughty....'

I burst out laughing. There I am getting all esoteric, and all she wansd was confirmation of a concept she knows already. She'll probably experience a few 'groundings' in her growing up years.

Melissa & Mark, her boyfriend

We celebrated Melissa's 20th, only one more year to the big one.

an experiment up loading video or ...Skye's latest diet

 

okay I see it is unfocused and taken while on the road in Northern NSW. Hope you can access it alright. The photo is clearer.

Skye (8 months) playing with cousins annika and mathew

poodle with pink ears

Saw a white poodle with pink ears yesterday outside Woolworth's in Campsie (of all places) at 8 'o' clock in the morning. He/she? was looking out of a truck window as was his owner (a man) as if waiting for someone. My first thought? It's nearly Mardi Gras time.

One of the events leading up to the famous parade in early March is (or used to be) a doggie get together of local gays. The poodle with pink ears remnded me of that. I attended one once, saw all kinds of costumes and outfits, not only on the dogs.

Sydney's Mardi Gras is now a big money spinner for the city. People come from all over the place for the month long festivities, following hot on the heels of the Sydney Festival.

Talk about hot, it's going to be a hot one today. Am planning to go to the pool with Annika to cool off, then work on getting her interested in going to the museum of modern art to see Annie Liebowitz's exhibition. I've always liked her stuff and I believe the woman needs the money! Not that my concession price ticket (children under 12 free) will make that much difference. It's good to expose the kid to something other than Shrek & Toy Story, good though they are. But it's been hard getting her interested in going to the city this time. Not sure why.

Just had a thought, there might be a picture of Annika's great love, Michael Jackson in the exhibition. That'll get her.

For now we have to work out which movie to see tomorrow. We've done Narnia, I kind of fancy Tangled, having seen in the preview some of the amazing things they do with the woman's long blond hair. Gulliver's going to be too scary according to Annika. She fancies Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Oh dear.

Misperceptions

Packing: pack what you think you need then halve it.
Tying a parcel with ribbon:  mark off what you think you need then double it

oops double mailing

Sorry to my email recipients who recieved 2 versions of the previous blog. I was in a shopping centre using Mcdonald's free WiFi and every time I pressed the edit button it signed me out. The second version is the 'correct' one.

I hasten to add that was the only thing of Mcdonald's I was using as I whiled away the time waiting for my car to be serviced. Fortunately they didn't charge me as much as I was expecting thereby justifying the new bra and sandals I  bought while waiting.

I've put out the new photo calendar (thank you Kathie, great memories of our recent adventures) washed my new 5-pack of Sloggis (undies to the uninitiated) whch are now ready to wear (thank you Maxine) and tried out my new induction cooktop and pots (Thank you Maxine, Cristina & spouses)

Great excitement as I cooked the evening meal. For once in 11 years I could have three pots going all at the same time (only had 2 burners before) and I didn't have to wait 10 minutes for them to heat up. In no time I had fried chicken, cauliflower and cheese sauce on my plate. Looks as though the microwave might become redundant. T'will be interesting to see what the next electricity bill reveals.

Having brung on the new, I'm now casting out the old. I spotted a book swap store in Burwood yesterday, have earmarked it to off load some books. Speaking of books I've just finished reading A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. It was published in 1995 and is a great read. I love the characters and feel for them through their many trials and traumas.

But I digress.

I've been busy tearing up old bills, receipts and invoices this morning. Not a bad occupation when you feel like tearing your hair out watching the cricket. England looks very strong, Australia bumbling along. At least I've got room in my filing cabinet now.

Going to use up some old frozen bananas and make a loaf out of them then a short rest before heading out for the Opera House to see 'Love, Loss and  What I Wore.' Not sure what it is but it's probably funny. I hope so.





  

NYE in Bangalow

For once I wasn't in Sydney for NYE. Instead I spent a lovely 6 days in Northern NSW with Maxine, Dirk and the delicious Skye in a house lent to them by friends.

I almost didn't get there. The Jetstar craft flying up around the same time as me couldn't land because of poor visibility and returned to Sydney. The trusty prop plane of Rexair made it, albeit a bit bumpily, and to the accompaniement of teenage girls screaming every time we hit a tiny airpocket. Such sooks!

 Fortunately the rain held off for the next 3-4 days so we could get out, exploring downtown Bangalow's 2 streets on day 1 and lunching at the pub;



lunch at the pub 





we call this pose 'Hello Boys!'

 the next day re-visiting Byron Bay. It was like arriving in the middle of 'Schoolies' week. The place has lost its charm I'm afraid. Skye had her first encounter with the ocean, not that great but let's face it, it takes a while.



on the road

 Day 3 we shopped in Ballina, nice wide streets full of people nearer my own age, many of them in electric buggies!!! Not yet please!

We had some success with Skye in the pool, splashing arms and legs very seriously. One day I'm sure it will be with joy, all she needs is more exposure. Dirk is not so sure.

The grownups behaved like children when the scrabble board came out in the evenings, Maxine fiercely determined to put down the best possible word every go, and taking her time about it (Dirk and I worked on the cryptic crossword while she ruminated!) Dirk claiming he didn't give a s.... but still keen to play, and me, well of course I was perfect!

The beer and wine flowed, Maxine cooked some super meals and Skye was an angel... except for the early rising. The latest was 5.45 am, the earliest 4.45am . When she's awake that gal is ready to party, to the extent that she doesn't realise she's hungry. It's like she's afraid of missing something if she stops to eat. Another determined girl in our midst, what could we expect?

And what would a holiday be like without Maxine and a bean bag?

On New Year's Day it was too wet for Skye to go on the grass, the cat was too lazy to entertain her, the cows didn't visit and the chooks had lost their novelty. She missed the lone wallaby hopping along the bottom of the garden. The kid was getting cabin fever. We headed for Bangalow in the misty rain. Our favourite cafe was full, we ended up at the bakery; they had to give us free food to get rid of us!

I left Bangalow glowing in sunshine and arrived in Sydney in a storm. Picked up late delivered Christams cards and reflected on my lovely break. Thank you for making it possible Maxine and Dirk.

merry jingles

Well…the enforced dieting occasioned by the gastro bug I caught from Skye finally left in time for me to enjoy everything on offer on Christmas Eve, a feast with a Portuguese flavour, mainly their specialty salted codfish dishes, bacalhau (had to look up how to spell it)

There was bacalhau with boiled potatoes and Chinese broccoli, doesn’t sound very attractive but it was delicious as was the shredded codfish mixed with fried potatoes, onions, garlic etc. yummy! Then there were the prawns, the salads, my Mexican dip. If that were not enough, the dessert table groaned with strawberry shortcake, chocolate tarts. Portuguese tarts, Molotov (a Portuguese version of pavlova, soft with a lovely syrup) and my favourite, a sort of baked custard with caramel syrup.

And Christmas hadn’t even started yet.

When we got to Eddie’s house we had to wait until Mathew was asleep before Santa could put the presents under the tree. Finally at 2 am we could retire.

‘Daddy, is that big present mine? Can I open it?’ Mathew at the top of his lungs. His voice can’t half penetrate. Five pairs of bleary adult eyes opened…it was 6.30am.

Lego’s shares must have gone up 50% this Christmas. What with Lego diggers, Lego police trucks, a Lego table put up by dad, and the piece de resistance, Lego Buzz Light which took Melissa’s boyfriend Mark about 2 hours to put together.





Glad I opted for clothes. Mathew never took off his Steven Gerard soccer outfit all day...well... almost. More on that later. 

Annika loved her disco jacket (from the UK) and the dresses Kit and I bought at Braidwood quilt fair in November but her disco pants itched her legs. Too bad.

Annika with itchy dico pants



Lunch consisted of two whole snappers, one cooked on the barbecue and the other in the Hewer’s new oven. Not that it was a competition or anything!!!! There was little to choose between them but we think the oven-baked one had the edge. Melissa roasted a chicken with stuffing to die for. Sorry but I’m going to have to ditch Krista’s grandmother’s recipe for this one. It's the feta cheese that did it. Melissa also made a sumptuous dessert, alas not destined for our table but for Mark's later. Never mind we had more than enough to be going on with.



Melissa lashing on the cream



One by one we catnapped throughout the day although Mathew’s nap had consequences for the couch and the Steven Gerard soccer shorts. Poor kid was so ashamed it took him ages to come and video skype with Skye who was doing Christmas with Oma, Opa and cousins in Taree.

Skye with Oma, Opa & cousins

It took three trips up the stairs to my flat to offload the two pans for my new induction cooktop,(how I love that!!!) the Slogis, the photo calendar, the Merle Regle Crossword Book, the mug, the lotions, the Chai Tea, the chocolates etc.

Boxing Day: Kit and I went to see that marvellous film, The King’s Speech. If that doesn’t win any Oscars I don’t know what will.

Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as I did