First day on the beach!!

Summer came last week for a day and a bit and then it was gone. We are all holding our breaths.. When oh when??

Anyway, I was lured away by Tania on Tuesday morning to trek down to the beach (living in Sydney doesn't mean it's just a 10 min drive, no no, 45 minutes plus!!)

We went to Fresh Waters close to Dee Why, Northern beaches.

What a glorious idea and day it was . Thanks friend :)

 

 

Dad's visit (2)

Half way mark...turning 50!!

Turning 50 was at first a daunting thought but then my mind opened up and I decided to tackle it head on and make something big of it. Maybe it is because we are settling into a new country, maybe it's because I've lost my brother when he was only 41, maybe it's because I wanted to share the day and my life with friends, maybe it's because there's so much more to do and see or maybe it's just because I am so grateful to be alive and are blessed beyond words. All of the above!!

I had no family at the celebration, which was sad but lots of wonderful friends were there who have become my adopted family.

Our dear friends Debbie and Gavin opened up their home and hearts for us and we had a great time at their house.

I put together a slide show of my life. From baby days to present, all the things I have done before hubby and all the things we have done together as a family. It was great, accept that the time frame between each slide was too short and I couldn't elaborate on some pictures. Maybe it was a good thing because some friends might have gotten bored.

Then hubby surprised me and also had a sweet celebration slide show to my honour. He got some friends (all ex pats in other countries) to compile beautiful video clips and writings. It was so special, thanks again guys.

The best of all hubby got our son, Gustaf who studies in Cape Town, South Africa on skype. Gustaf said the nicest things to his mom in front of all present.

What a great time I had, thanks to all who came!!

Speach time - Looks like I said something funny...

Listening to Gustaf on skype

Watching hubby's slide show

I love my family:)

Missing you Gustaf!! Will take another family picture when you come in a few weeks time. xxx

Dad's visit

My dad and his wife came to visit us for 2 weeks. It was short but packed full with lots of sight seeing, experiencing the Australian bush lands with all the amazing bird life and Eucalyptus trees and catching up on together time. He is so blessed to have such good health at 80!!

I'll share some of our outings in a few installments.

Scotland Island  - I first got to know of Scotland Island when I read a book of Susan Duncan, an Australian author who lives at Lovett Bay in the area. It is part of Sydney Northern Beaches and more specific Pittwater. The link is to big to post here.

Their mode of transport is a little 'tinny' with an outboard engine or the public ferry. Would be great as a weekender but not for a permanent dwelling, specially if one has kids. There are quite a few families living there who love the life style.

The walkway up from one of the jetties.


















The jetty at Tennis Bay
















I think this is the authors' house who lives on the mainland opposite Scotland Island. This area is part of the Kuring-gai Chase National Park. Wildlife in abundance.




 

Dad enjoying the leisurely ride.

Lazy Saturday

When last have I had a Saturday where I only got showered and dressed at one in the afternoon??!!! What fun!!

Hubby took our son to the airport at 4am. He will be visiting my brother in a 'remote' little town in Western Australia for a few weeks.

It is raining on and off and definitely not a day to do anything constructive... The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent reading, reading and more reading. My family is actually quite surprised that I managed to stay still for so long. My eyes are quite tired. But what fun!!

I am reading 'The Girl in Times Square' by Paullina Simons. We've had a few of her books in our book club back in South Africa. Enjoyable read.

Think it's time for me to go back to reading.

Hubby again doing the rounds, he's taking our daughter to a sleep over birthday party.

What shall we do tonight, just us, go out or stay in and read...???

Where have I been??

It is so long since I've written anything on my blog.

What a shame!!

I do go and visit my blog friends often but just haven't been able to put something down. Work, other priorities and family visiting, those things are to blame!! Excuses excuses...

You are all still so very welcome to come and visit. My hospitality will know no bounds